362 
PACIFIC SCIENCE, Vol. XVII, July 1963 
Fig. 1. A typical cloud "carpet” covering the summit of Mt. Gower while the rest of the island is in sun- 
shine. This "carpet” preserves the humidity and coolness over long periods, in strong contrast with other parts 
of the island. (Photo by Miss Z. Liepa.) 
and during 3 hr (sic) found two new species 
of this family. 
It is interesting to note that Nothofagus is 
absent from Lord Howe Island, but 24 adults 
and 7 nymphs of Pelorididae were found in 
moss. Probably the Pelorididae are not espe- 
cially associated with Nothofagus , but require, 
above all, high humidity with cool temperatures. 
It is evident that this family has lived on the 
island in a very specialised habitat for millions 
of years. The possibility of transportation must 
be excluded. It means that the general condi- 
tions for life are unchanged: the summit of 
Mt. Gower is a refuge for species ecologically 
close to recent New Zealand fauna and flora 
( see Fig. 1 ) , whereas at sea level are preserved 
elements from the north, from purely tropical 
areas. 
It is noteworthy that, of the endemic palms, 
two dwarf species grow not at sea level, as do 
two others (see Fig. 2), but much higher up, 
closer to the summits of the two large moun- 
tains. 
The submerged land "Howeania” was iso- 
lated from Australia, or connected only in the 
far north, and the present "Australian” elements 
we must regard as casual elements, not as hav- 
ing come by a direct land bridge. The Austra- 
lian elements play an important role in the 
composition of the flora and fauna of the 
island, but it is remarkable that the most typical 
Australian forms, the Australian "sui generis,” 
are absent. 
The Diptera of the island have not been 
reviewed, the main obstacle being the lack 
of knowledge of the fauna of surrounding 
areas. The dipterofauna in general is very im- 
poverished, because the island lacks fresh water 
basins, and the running streams are of tem- 
porary character. Therefore the families and 
