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Occultastella
''Occultastella'' is a monotypic genus of tokoriro (cave wētā) in the family Rhaphidophoridae. The sole member of this genus, ''Occultastella morgana'', was described in 2024, and is endemic to New Zealand. Etymology The genus name is based on two Latin words, occulta (hidden), referencing the secretive nature of the genus, and stella (star), referencing the pale, flame-shaped markings on the head of ''Occultastella morgana''. The species epithet ''morgana'' is a reference to New Zealand researcher Mary Morgan-Richards, who has made significant contributions to the understanding of New Zealand tokoriro (cave wētā). Taxonomy and morphology The genus ''Occultastella'' and species ''Occultastella morgana'' were described by Steven A. Trewick in 2024. ''Occultastella'' is sister to the Rhaphidophoridae species endemic to the Snares Islands ('' Insulanoplectron spinosum''). These nocturnal crickets are wingless and silent. ''Occultastella morgana'' is approximately in length, w ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Denniston Plateau
Denniston Plateau (technically the Denniston-Stockton Plateau) is an 18 km long, 600–800 m high Coal field, coalfield plateau in the Papahaua Range on the West Coast, New Zealand, West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. A combination of impermeable rock, high rainfall, and shallow acidic soil has created a unique ecosystem of stunted trees and heath-like vegetation which is home to numerous Endemism, endemic and Undescribed taxon, undescribed species of plants and invertebrates. The plateau contains rich seams of high-quality coal, which led to the creation and abandonment of the mining towns of Denniston, New Zealand, Denniston and Millerton, New Zealand, Millerton, and the current Stockton Mine. Plans to create a new Open-pit mining, open-cast mine on the southern part of the plateau have become an environmental controversy. Physiography The Denniston-Stockton Plateau stretches approximately , from Mt Rochfort near Westport in the south to Granity in the north. I ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
