Tepakiphasma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tepakiphasma |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
 Nationally Critical (NZ TCS) |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Tepakiphasma
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| Species: |
ngatikuri
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The Tepakiphasma ngatikuri is a special kind of stick insect. It belongs to the family called Phasmatidae. This insect is found only in one small forest area in New Zealand. This forest is located at the very top of the North Island.
Scientists did not discover this unique stick insect until 2008. It is the only known species in its group, called a genus, which is named Tepakiphasma.
Discovery and Name
Young T. ngatikuri stick insects, called nymphs, were first found in December 2008. They were discovered in a place called Radar Bush. This area is part of the Te Paki Recreation Reserve. Radar Bush is a forest that covers about 65 hectares. It is located about 9.5 kilometers (about 6 miles) southeast of Cape Reinga.
This forest is home to other rare New Zealand species. These include the slight skink and Bartlett's rātā, which is a type of tree. The two young stick insects found were raised until they became adults. Then, in 2010, scientists officially described and named this new species.
The first part of its name, Tepakiphasma, comes from the Te Paki area where it was found. This area is also known as North Cape. The second part of its name, ngatikuri, honors the Ngāti Kurī people. They are a Māori tribe from the Northland area, and Te Paki is part of their traditional lands.
What it Looks Like
The Tepakiphasma ngatikuri is a medium-sized stick insect. It can grow to about 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) long. It has a thin body and does not have wings. Its body is a mix of grey and brown colors, which helps it blend in with its surroundings.
This stick insect does not have any spines. It has only a few small bumps called tubercles on its body. The most interesting part of this insect is its egg. The egg has a special cap on top that looks like a cone and has tiny holes. This type of egg cap has not been seen on any other stick insects in New Zealand. However, some stick insects from other countries have similar eggs.
The only known T. ngatikuri specimens were found on a tree called white rātā (Metrosideros perforata).
Where it Lives and Why it Needs Help
Scientists have searched the areas around Radar Bush. However, they have not found any other T. ngatikuri stick insects anywhere else. This means that this species lives in only one small forest area.
Because it lives in such a tiny place, it is very easy for this insect to become extinct. Things like accidental fires could destroy its home. Also, animals that hunt, like introduced predators, could easily wipe out the population.
Due to this high risk, the Tepakiphasma ngatikuri is listed as "Nationally Critical." This is the highest threat level in New Zealand's Department of Conservation's Threat Classification System. It means the species is in extreme danger and needs urgent protection.
