The enemy of my enemy is my friend: Tri-trophic interactions between a predator - parasite - host assemblage in New Zealand

摘要

New Zealand's dynamic geological past has generated many biological oddities. High levels of endemism and gigantism are present, and 'relict' species have evolved via in-situ radiations (Daugherty et al. 1993; Goldberg et al. 2008]. Consequently, manyspecies have evolved to fulfil unusual ecological roles. For example, giant carnivorous land snails fulfill the role of absent predatory mammals (Daugherty et al. 1993). Flightless birds including moa [Dinornithidae), kakapo Strigops habroptilis and takahe Notornis mantelli, fulfill the role of ungulate grazers and browsers (Daugherty et al. 1993]. Additionally, large flightless crickets (weta, hemidenina spp.) fulfill the role of small mammalian seed dispersers(Duthie et al. 2006). Arguably the most unusual species is the Puriri moth, Aenetus virescens (Doubleday) (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae), which has one of the most unique lepidopteran life histories on earth.