The Kiwaia “Cloudy Bay” moth is a tiny, flightless species found only in Marlborough’s Cloudy Bay. Endemic to New Zealand, it lives on the native mat daisy (Raoulia australis) in open coastal areas. Instead of flying, it uses its long hind legs to leap up to 8 cm when disturbed. Once feared extinct due to loss of Raoulia, it was rediscovered in 2021. The moth now faces major threats from invasive paper wasps and habitat disturbance.
Katipō (Latrodectus katipō) spiders are found in the sand dune systems, living in tunnels built from silk and plants near the seashore. A venomous, native, and protected species, the female katipō is roughly the size of a pea and can deliver a bite that causes illness, though bites are rare and anti-venom is available. Efforts are underway to restore their sand dune habitats, which is essential for their survival and the resurgence of this unique species.
