The terrestrial Isopoda (Crustacea, Oniscidea) of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), with descriptions of two new species

Author

Stefano Taiti
Judson Wynne

Files

Publication Date

July 2015

Abstract

Nine species of terrestrial isopods are reported for the Polynesian island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) based upon museum materials and recent collections from field sampling. Most of these animals are non-native species, but two are new to science: Styloniscus manuvaka sp. n. and Hawaiioscia rapui sp. n. Of these, the former is believed to be a Polynesian endemic as it has been recorded from Rapa Iti, Austral Islands, while the latter is identified as a Rapa Nui island endemic. Both of these new species are considered ‘disturbance relicts’ and appear restricted to the cave environment on Rapa Nui. A short key to all the oniscidean species presently recorded from Rapa Nui is provided. We also offered conservation and management recommendations for the two new isopod species.

Keywords

Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea, New Species, Rapa Nui, Easter Island, Disturbance Relicts, Caves

Document Type

Article

Notes

Zookeys, Vol. 515 (2015-07-30).

Identifier

K26-05331

Recommended Citation

Taiti, Stefano and Wynne, Judson, "The terrestrial Isopoda (Crustacea, Oniscidea) of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), with descriptions of two new species" (2015). KIP Articles. 4887.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/kip_articles/4887