Macroinvertebrate taxa from a southern New Zealand montane stream continuum

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Abstract
The macroinvertebrate communities of 2 forested and 2 open sites along a relatively unmodified montane beech forest stream continuum in the Devils Creek catchment, Reefton, on the west coast of the South Island, New Zealand, were investigated by intensive benthic sampling, and light trapping and sweeping for adults. Limited benthic sampling was also carried out at 4 other sites. Although taxonomic difficulties hindered specific resolution in some groups, 182 aquatic or semi-aquatic macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded, the most from any New Zealand stream investigated to date. Insects comprised 160 of these taxa, with the best represented orders being the Diptera (57 spp.) and Trichoptera (50 spp.). Comparisons with similar holarctic studies show that New Zealand streams need be no less species rich than their northern counterparts.

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