Arctesthes avatar

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Arctesthes avatar
Arctesthes avatar f.jpg
Female
Arctesthes avatar m.jpg
Male
Status NZTCS NC.svg
Nationally Critical (NZ TCS) [1]
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Geometridae
Genus: Arctesthes
Species:
A. avatar
Binomial name
Arctesthes avatar
Patrick, Patrick & Hoare, 2019 [2]
Range maps of Arctesthes avatar, siris & titanica (cropped).jpg
A. avatar = stars

Arctesthes avatar, commonly known as the avatar moth or the Denniston triangle moth, is a moth of the family Geometridae and is endemic to New Zealand. It has been found in short-lived wetlands at elevations between 640 and 1000 metres, but only in the areas of the Denniston Plateau and the nearby Mount Rochfort in the Buller District of the West Coast Region of the South Island. The species was discovered by Brian Patrick in 2012, during a bio-blitz on the Denniston Plateau organised by Forest & Bird as part of a campaign against the planned development of an open-cast coal mine by Bathurst Resources. The name of the new species was proposed in 2012, following a competition run by Forest & Bird and judged by Patrick and his son. It was first described by Brian H. Patrick, Hamish J. H. Patrick and Robert J. B. Hoare in 2019. A. avatar has Nationally Critical conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.

Contents

Discovery

A new species of day-flying moth was discovered by Brian Patrick and his son in March 2012, [3] during a bio-blitz on the Denniston Plateau organised by Forest & Bird, who were campaigning against the planned development of an open-cast coal mine by Bathurst Resources. [4] A single male moth was found on the edge of a wetland, at an elevation of 670 metres (2,200 ft). Patrick made two more visits to the area in subsequent years, and netted another 10 individuals. This allowed work to begin on the formal description of the new species. [3]

Taxonomy and nomenclature

This species was first described in 2019 by Brian H. Patrick, Hamish J. H. Patrick and Robert J. B. Hoare and named Arctesthes avatar. [2] Prior to its scientific description this species was known as Arctesthes sp. “Denniston”. [5] A. avatar was named in honour of the 2009 movie Avatar , after Forest & Bird ran a competition in 2012 encouraging the public to submit suggested names to raise awareness about a proposed coal mine at the locality where this species is found. [6] [7] [8] Brian and Hamish Patrick judged the submissions, and chose "avatar" as the epithet for this species, as the Avatar movie plot concerned a mining company and its actions threatening a fictional ecosystem. [7] The male holotype specimen, collected at Denniston Plateau, is held in the New Zealand Arthropod Collection. [2]

Description

Female Arctesthes avatar. Arctesthes avatar female.jpg
Female Arctesthes avatar.

The larvae have been described as being brown on the upper side and a paler shade on the underside of the caterpillar. [2]

The adult male of this species was described as follows:

Adult male: Wingspan 20–22 mm. Very similar to A. titanica , with the following differences. Forewing with antemedian and postmedian lines slightly better defined than in titanica; postmedian line with indentation above median evagination and level with discal spot tending to be more pronounced than in titanica. Hindwing with dark antemedian line reaching much further across wing than in titanica (about half way to costa), and then diverting basad to join small variably distinct discal dot; terminal line present as dark brown fascia, with weakly scalloped inner margin; black dashes along termen absent. Forewing underside with postmedian line more distinct than in titanica and almost complete, reaching to near dorsum. Hindwing underside with blackish suffusion from base; area basad of antemedian line largely pale orange (not brown) and without dark edging to basal blotch; white fascia beyond antemedian line rather indistinct; from here to terminal fascia pale brownish orange, with brownish smudge at anal angle representing postmedian line; subterminal line very faintly paler, not distinct as in titanica (where it stands out against brown background). [2]

The female of the species is similar in appearance to the male but is paler and does not have pectinations on the antennae. [2]

Habitat and hosts

Possible larval host Liparophyllum gunnii. Liparophyllum gunnii 109444705.jpg
Possible larval host Liparophyllum gunnii.

This species inhabits short-lived wetlands on the Denniston Plateau and Mount Rochfort in the West Coast at altitudes of between 640 and 1000 m. [2] Larvae of sister species in this genus feed on various species of native herbaceous plants. [2] It has been hypothesised that the sole host of the larvae of this species is Liparophyllum gunnii , as females have been observed laying eggs on the underside of the leaves of this plant. [2] An attempt was made to rear this species in captivity, with the larvae being feed on wilting leaves, stems and roots of this plant, but this was unsuccessful. [2]

Behaviour

This species is a day flying moth. [2] Adults have been observed on the wing in February and March. [2] [9]

Conservation status

A. avatar has the "Nationally Critical" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. [5] [1] It was given this classification as its total area of occupancy is smaller than 1 ha, in just one location. [5] Since this classification this moth has also been located at Mount Rochfort, near the type locality of the species, but it is still regarded as being extremely localised. [2]

Related Research Articles

<i>Arctesthes</i> Genus of moths

Arctesthes is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae described by Edward Meyrick in 1885. It is endemic to New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denniston Plateau</span> Plateau in New Zealand

Denniston Plateau is an 18 km long, 600–800 m high coalfield plateau in the Papahaua Range on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. A combination of impermeable rock, high rainfall, and shallow acidic soil has created a unique ecosystem of stunted trees and heath-like vegetation which is home to numerous endemic and undescribed species of plants and invertebrates. The plateau contains rich seams of high-quality coal, which led to the creation and abandonment of the mining towns of Denniston and Millerton, and the current Stockton Mine. Plans to create a new open-cast mine on the southern part of the plateau have become an environmental controversy.

<i>Ichneutica blenheimensis</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica blenheimensis is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found throughout the North, South and the Stewart Islands. This species appears to prefer drier eastern localities and is rarely collected in western North Island forested areas. It does not appear to be frequently collected in inland dry tussock grassland habitats. The host plant for the larvae of this species is likely to be the golden sand sedge pīngao which is now absent from the moths type locality. However Chappell has raised very young larvae on grass species and the more developed larvae consumed Phormium tenax. Adults are on the wing from November to March and are attracted to both light and sugar traps. The blackish forewing fringes are diagnostic of this species. But worn specimens of I. arotis can be confused with worn specimens of I. blenheimensis. However I. arotis can be distinguished from I. blenheimensis as it has a scale-tuft on the thorax and dark longitudinal stripes on the tegula. This species is classified as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation.

<i>Ericodesma aerodana</i> Species of moth

Ericodesma aerodana is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North and South Islands. The species inhabits sand dunes and larvae feed on Pimelea prostrata. Adults are on the wing from October to January and are active at twilight. This species is classified as "At Risk, Declining" by the Department of Conservation as its larval host plant is under threat from habitat loss and the invasive to New Zealand plant, sea spurge.

<i>Erechthias lychnopa</i> Species of moth, endemic to New Zealand

Erechthias lychnopa is a species of moth in the family Tineidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has only been collected in a karaka grove at Sinclair Head in Wellington in November. It has yet to be collected again. It has been hypothesised that the larvae inhabit dead wood. It is classified as "Data Deficient" by the Department of Conservation.

<i>Eudonia aspidota</i> Species of moth

Eudonia aspidota is a moth in the family Crambidae. It is found in New Zealand and can be found in the North, South and Stewart Islands. The species inhabits native forest and its larvae lives on mosses.

<i>Arctesthes catapyrrha</i> Species of moth

Arctesthes catapyrrha is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.

<i>Arctesthes siris</i> Species of moth

Arctesthes siris is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has only been found in a handful of mountainous areas in Central Otago. As at 2019 the larvae of this species has not been described but the larval hosts of this species are low growing plants in the genera Coprosma and Plantago. Adults are day flying and are on the wing from early December until mid April. This species inhabits mountainous wetland areas and snowbanks. It has been observed flying low over its preferred habitat and has been seen together with its sister species A. catapyrrha. A. siris can be distinguished from A. catapyrrha as A. siris has a noticeable concave curve in the proximal line of its forewing.

<i>Meterana pansicolor</i> Species of moth

Meterana pansicolor is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species is classified as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation.

<i>Xanthorhoe bulbulata</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Xanthorhoe bulbulata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand. It is classified as critically endangered by the Department of Conservation.

<i>Notoreas casanova</i> Species of moth

Notoreas casanova is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species has been classified as Nationally Vulnerable by the Department of Conservation.

<i>Tatosoma agrionata</i> Species of moth

Tatosoma agrionata, also known as the mistletoe carpet moth, is a species of moth in the family Geometridae first described by Francis Walker in 1862. It is endemic to New Zealand. It is classified as at risk, declining by the Department of Conservation.

<i>Asaphodes chlorocapna</i> Species of moth

Asaphodes chlorocapna is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and can only be found in the Chatham Islands. The larvae of this species consume the leaves of Muehlenbeckia plants. Adults are on the wing in January. This species is classified as "At Risk, Relict'" by the Department of Conservation.

<i>Helastia expolita</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Helastia expolita is a moth of the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and occurs in the Buller, Marlborough, North and Mid Canterbury regions.This species inhabits short tussock grassland in montane to subalpine zones. Adult moths are nocturnal but little is known about the life history of H. expolita. Adults have been observed on the wing in November. It has been hypothesised the larvae of H. expolita feed on the flowers of Helichrysum species and then feed on mosses, lichens or shrubs growing nearby. It is classified as "At Risk, Relict'" by the Department of Conservation.

<i>Hierodoris stella</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Hierodoris stella is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and occurs in Auckland, Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, Bay of Plenty and Wellington. As at 2005 the larvae of this species is unknown as is its host plant. The adult moth frequents forest and are on the wing in January and February. It is classified as "At Risk, Relict'" by the Department of Conservation.

<i>Asaphodes dionysias</i> Species of moth

Asaphodes dionysias is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is only known from mountainous areas in Central Otago. It lives in open grassy mountainous habitat at altitudes up to 1750 m. It is also known to live in wetland habitat. The larvae of this species feed on native herbs. The adults of this species are on the wing in January and February. The adult female of the species has reduced wing size in comparison to the male.

<i>Arctesthes titanica</i> Species of moth

Arctesthes titanica is a moth of the family Geometridae first described by Brian H. Patrick, Hamish J. H. Patrick and Robert J. B. Hoare in 2019. It is endemic to New Zealand. The species was named after the Titans of Greek mythology and recognizing the ship Titanic and the film of the same name.

<i>Ichneutica chlorodonta</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Ichneutica chlorodonta, also known as the Green-toothed Owlet, is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is found throughout the North, South and Stewart Islands and is associated with native forest and shrubland. It can be confused with similar looking species such as I. subcyprea however I. chlorodonta can be distinguished through differences in colouration of its fore and hind wings as well as the length of the male pectinations. The life history of this species is unknown as are the host species of its larvae but adults of I. chlorodonta are on the wing from September to April.

Ichneutica subcyprea is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. This species is very similar in appearance to I. chlorodonta. It feeds on fern species in the genus Tmesipteris. It is the only New Zealand noctuid known to exclusively feed on ferns. The preferred habitat of this species is humid native forest and the adults are on the wing from September to December.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Rochfort</span> Mountain in New Zealand

Mount Rochfort is a mountain peak 1,040 metres (3,410 ft) in elevation, located approximately 10 km east of Westport in the Buller District on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It rises above the south-west portion of the Denniston Plateau and overlooks the town of Westport and the plains of the Buller River.

References

  1. 1 2 "New Zealand Threat Classification System ID 35538". Department of Conservation. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Patrick, Brian H.; Patrick, Hamish J. H.; Hoare, Robert J. B. (29 May 2019). "Review of the endemic New Zealand genus Arctesthes Meyrick (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Larentiinae), with descriptions of two new range-restricted species". Alpine Entomology. 3: 121–136. doi: 10.3897/alpento.3.33944 . ISSN   2535-0889 – via Pensoft.
  3. 1 2 Hargreaves, Lynley (2019). "Rare moth mining risk". Forest & Bird (373): 26.
  4. ↑ Cairns, Lois (3 March 2012). "Forest and Bird 'bio-blitzes' Denniston plateau". Stuff. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  5. 1 2 3 Hoare, R.J.B.; Dugdale, J.S.; Edwards, E.D.; Gibbs, G.W.; Patrick, B.H.; Hitchmough, R.A.; Rolfe, J.R. (2015). "Conservation status of New Zealand butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera)" (PDF). New Zealand Threat Classification Series. 20: 1–13.
  6. ↑ "New moth species gets blockbuster name". The New Zealand Herald. 19 June 2012. ISSN   1170-0777 . Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  7. 1 2 Lee, Francesca (20 June 2012). "Hollywood name for new moth species". Stuff. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  8. ↑ "Avatar moth carries environmental message". The Press. 23 July 2012. Archived from the original on 2019-10-24. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  9. ↑ "Arctesthes avatar". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
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