A survey and investigation of the insect fauna associated with some tussock grasslands

Abstract

Very little is known about the insect fauna associated with New Zealand tussock grasslands. A survey was therefore designed to discover the faunistic composition of some tussock areas and to investigate wherever possible the significance and economic status of species within their grassland habitat. To this end, attempts were made to detect the distribution, abundance and seasonal appearance of individual species, and where possible to study their ecology. Such information is not only basic to an understanding of the fauna but is also useful to tussock grassland management.