Melissa Quinn.'s photostream

1) Species: Metrosideros robusta

2)
The rata is a major tree in the forest ecosystems in New Zealand and usually begins as an epiphite, a plant growing on another but not harming it, however, eventually the rata may grow larger than it's host organism. This particular rata has been growing in this forest since before the Polynesians landed in New Zealand. Additionally, surrounding forest have been both wind and fire damaged, but this area remains undisturbed. Rata are one of the favorite dishes for possums, an introduced and invasive pests. This is cause for concern for rata as the possums love to eat newly growing, sapling ratas.

3) The rata is a native tree and is a relative of the eucalyptus.

4) Located on a natural reserve overlooking Eastbourne

5) www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/ca...

1) Puriri moth, or Ghost moth.
Species: Aenetus virescens
Largest Moth in New Zealand

2)
Puriri moths are endemic to the north island of New Zealand. Reaching up to 150 mm these moths use trees as their homes by burrowing into them and eating the cambium as the tree tries to heal. Holes created by the moths are covered by a camouflaged silky covering. The holes are nearly undetectable except by touch.
These moths are frequently found in Puriri trees (Vitex lucens and putaputaweta trees (Carpodetus serratus). However, they are not limited to these trees and can also be found in other native trees and introduced trees. Puriri moths can act as pests in orchards and are sometimes killed by injecting insectaside into the opening of their burrows. Holes in orchards, and many other types of farmed and logged trees, are problematic because though the insects are only there for a relatively short time, the holes that are created could lead to rotting of the tree as well as imperfections in timber coming from these trees.

3)
These moths are an endemic organism and dispersal on the island, both of moths and native vascular plants, are key to understanding their origins. Therefore, evolutionary background of the moths comes with an emphasis on biogeography. As well as looking closely at the evolution and phylogonies of angiosperms.

4) Located on a bluff overlooking Eastbourne.

5) www.ento.org.nz/nzentomologist/free_issues/NZEnto08_1_198...

nzacfactsheets.landcareresearch.co.nz/factsheet/OrganismP...