Meeting Abstract
Putative novel species of mite harvestmen in the genus Aoraki, one of three pettalid genera in New Zealand, are investigated using morphology and genetic data. Two new species are identified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A third novel species is suspected based on morphology. Images of the anal plate and fourth tarsus of male individuals were compared to images of described Aoraki specimens in published literature. Specimens were sequenced for two mitochondrial loci: cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) and 16S. A phylogeny based on these data supports the monophyly of two new species, each sister to its closest geographic relative. Morphological, phylogenetic, and geographic findings support the presence of these two novel species within the genus. Although much of the diversity in this genus is thought to be known, questions remain regarding potential undescribed species and their relationships to described species. Thus, further investigation of the diversity and phylogenetic relationships within the genus Aoraki is required.
