Canterbury Knobbled Weevil

The Canterbury knobbled weevil (Hadramphus tuberculatus) was rediscovered in the Burkes Pass Scenic Reserve in 2004. It was believed to be extinct, not having been sighted since 1922.  The Canterbury knobbled weevil was widespread among the lowland areas of Canterbury in the past but the only known remaining population is at Burkes Pass.

The Department of Conservation gives the Canterbury knobbled weevil its highest conservation status ranking and is perhaps New Zealand’s rarest invertebrate.

Read further information about the Canterbury Knobbled Weevil (1.7MB)
 (supplied by Lincoln University)

The Banks Peninsula Tree Weta

There are two species of tree weta on Banks Peninsula. One, the Canterbury tree weta (Hemideina femorata), is also found elsewhere in Canterbury, whereas the Banks Peninsula tree weta (H. ricta) is only found on the Peninsula east of Pigeon Bay and Akaroa Harbour.

The species is under threat, due to forest clearance and introduced predators. Rats mice, stoats, hedgehogs and possums are some of its more voracious enemies.

Read further information about the Banks Peninsula Tree Weta (4.1MB) (supplied by Lincoln University)