Summary

To survey the current invertebrate fauna on Quail Island (including King Billy Island) and compare it with the fauna in similar habitat in close proximity such as Magnificent Valley in Orton Bradley Park. Name potential invertebrate candidates for reintroduction based on findings and outline habitat requirements. Objective • To provide Quail Island Restoration Trust with a framework on which to write the invertebrate section of the Quail Island Restoration Plan. Methods • Invertebrates were collected on Quail Island using mainly pitfall trapping and malaise trapping over 12 months. • Invertebrates were identified (where possible) and compared with other Banks Peninsula collections to assess what species are absent from Quail Island. • New techniques (weta 'motels ' and wooden discs for ground beetles) for releasing and monitoring invertebrates were assessed at Quail Island and at five other sites. Results • Many large invertebrates including tree weta are absent from Quail Island. • Ground beetles (Carabidae) are poorly represented on Quail Island compared with other Banks Peninsula areas studied. • Several invertebrates species found on Quail Island are endemic to Banks Peninsula including at least five spiders, one beetle, one snail, one cockroach and one ground weta species. • Good populations of a rare aphid (Aphis cotteri) were found on Muehlenbeckia complexa on Quail Island. • Tree weta and cave weta inhabited only weta motels at Orton Bradley Park. • Three carabid species at Quail Island and another three species at other 'mainland' sites used wooden discs. Recommendations • Identify areas of Muehlenbeckia complexa to be set aside for the rare aphid (Aphis cotteri) populations to be maintained. • Reintroduce native aphids once additional host species are planted. • Reintroduce ground beetles, tree weta and other large invertebrate species when mammalian predators are eradicated or reduced to low numbers. • Use weta motels and wooden discs to create habitat for weta and carabids respectively. • Annually monitor invertebrate populations using pitfall trapping and/or other methods