Abstract
Nameriophyes sapidae Xue & Zhang (Acari: Eriophyidae) was found on transplanted nikau palms, Rhopalostylis sapida (H. Wendl. & Drude) in Auckland, New Zealand and described as a new species (Xue & Zhang 2008). Although R. sapida is a native plant species, it was not known if this mite species was indigenous or adventive because it was collected only from transplanted palms in unnatural gardens in Auckland. A survey was undertaken of R. sapida and the Kermadec Island palm, Rhopalostylis baueri (Hook. f.) Wendl. & Drude in the northern part of the North Island and Chatham Island.
References
Braun, U., Hill, C.F. & Schubert, K. (2006) New species and new records of biotrophic micromycetes from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Thailand. Fungal Diversity, 22, 13–35.
Xue, X.F. & Zhang, Z.-Q. (2008) New Zealand Eriophyoidea (Acari: Prostigmata): an update with descriptions of one new genus and six new species. Zootaxa, 1962, 1–32.