Cromwell chafer  (Prodontria lewisi)

This beetle is endemic to New Zealand, where it is found at just one site near Cromwell in Central Otago, on the South Island (3). This 81 hectare area became the Cromwell Chafer Beetle Nature Reserve in 1983 (3). Within this site, just four discrete populations are known (2).

This beetle is found in an area of windblown sand dunes, beneath which there is a bed of gravel. Six vegetation types have been found in the area (3). The beetle is associated with scabweeds (Raoulia species) and silver tussock (Poa laevis) (4). The vegetation cover is dynamic, as there is heavy grazing by rabbits (3).