Arctesthes catapyrrha

Last updated

Arctesthes catapyrrha
Arctesthes catapyrrha male.jpg
Male
Arctesthes catapyrrha female.jpg
Female
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Geometridae
Genus: Arctesthes
Species:
A. catapyrrha
Binomial name
Arctesthes catapyrrha
(Butler, 1877) [1]
Range map of Arctesthes catapyrrha (cropped).jpg
Synonyms [1] [2] [3]
  • Fidonia catapyrrhaButler, 1877
  • Stratonice catapyrrha(Butler, 1877)
  • Notoreas catapyrrha(Butler, 1877)
  • Coremia euclidiataGuenée, 1857
  • Lythria euclidiata(Guenée, 1857)
  • Lythria catapyrrha(Butler, 1877)
  • Arctesthes catapyrrha fasciataProut, 1929
  • Arctesthes catapyrrha kaikourensisProut, 1939

Arctesthes catapyrrha is a moth of the family Geometridae. [2] It is endemic to New Zealand.

Contents

Taxonomy

Arctesthes catapyrrha 31991991.jpg

This species was first described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1877 using specimens collected by James Hector and J. D. Enys and named Fidonia catapyrrha. [4] In 1884 Edward Meyrick placed this species in the newly described genus Stratonice. [5] In 1885 Meyrick replaced this preoccupied name with Arctesthes. [6] However also in 1885 Meyrick synonymised Arctesthes catapyrrha with Coremia euclidiata (now known as Chrysolarentia euclidiata ). [7] In 1898 George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species under the name Lythria euclidiata, following this error made by Meyrick. [8] In 1912 George Blundell Longstaff corrected Meyrick's error. [9] In 1917 Meyrick agreed with that correction. [10] In 1928 Hudson again discussed and illustrated this species but this time, again following Meyrick, under the name Lythria catapyrrha. [11] Robin C. Craw in 1986 reinstated the genus Arctesthes and placed this species within it. [12] In 1988 J. S. Dugdale confirmed this placement and while doing so synonymised two forms, fasciata and kaikourensis, that had been previously named by Louis Beethoven Prout, into this species. [2] In 2019 Brian and Hamish Patrick as well as Robert Hoare reviewed the genus Arctesthes and again confirmed this species placement within it. [3] The male holotype specimen, collected at Castle Hill in Canterbury, is held at the Natural History Museum, London. [2]

Description

Butler described this species as follows:

♂,♀. Primaries above whitish, clouded and banded with brown ; the principal markings are an angulated transverse subbasal dark brown band ; two central bands forming a band, its inner edge subangulated, its outer edge very irregular, projecting within the median interspaces; an interrupted submarginal brown streak; a brown apical spot, and five oval marginal red spots enclosing black dots at their interior extremities ; fringe alternately brown and white ; secondaries ochre-yellow, with a central angulated bifid band, an angulated submarginal streak, and the outer border composed of dark grey scales ; a marginal series of black dots ; fringe grey ; body brown ; abdomen banded with white : primaries below stramineous ; an angulated postmedian band, bifid above the median nervure, a dot at end of cell, an irregular transverse tapering subapical streak, and the centre of the outer border black-brown ; a subapical spot, and the apical border pale ferruginous ; a spot on the costa, and an irregular apical submarginal streak, white ; fringe alternately brown and white ; secondaries brick-red ; a central longitudinal cuneiform streak proceeding from the base to near the outer margin, and the abdominal border, white ; a spot close to the base, a central angulated transverse band, a claviform submarginal streak, and a spot on the outer margin, black ; fringe grey ; body below whitish. Expanse of wings 8+12 lines. [4]

Dugdale mentions that the male holotype specimen collected in Canterbury has the typical colouration for that area of hindwings strongly coloured with red below. [2] Specimens in Otago have less red colouration and the discal strip is not red. [2]

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. [12] [3] A. catapyrrha is widespread and is found in open areas from coastal to alpine locations. [13] It prefers stony habitat such as shingle riverbeds and stony fields. [14] It has been observed in the Mackenzie Country, [15] Kaitorete Spit, [16] near the Waimakariri River, [16] and in Central Otago. [17]

Life stages

Arctesthes catapyrrha larva LEPI Geometridae Arctesthes catapyrrha larva.png
Arctesthes catapyrrha larva

A. catapyrrha is a day flying moth. [18] Adult moths can be seen between October and March. [16] [18]

Host species

Larvae of A. catapyrrha feed on a wide range of low herbs including Plantago species and on Raoulia australis. [12] [18] The adults of this moth are known to pollinate Raoulia subsericea . [19]

Related Research Articles

<i>Asterivora analoga</i> Species of moth, endemic to New Zealand

Asterivora analoga is a moth of the family Choreutidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in both the North and South Islands. Adults are on the wing in December and January.

<i>Asterivora exocha</i> Species of moth

Asterivora exocha is a species of moth in the family Choreutidae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1907 and is endemic to New Zealand. This species has only been observed in the Humboldt Ranges of Otago and inhabits subalpine native bush at elevations of around 3600 ft. Adults of this species are on the wing in December and January and have been observed flying at dusk.

<i>Heterocrossa adreptella</i> Species of moth

Heterocrossa adreptella is a moth of the Carposinidae family. This species was long considered the New Zealand raspberry budmoth however this was a taxonomic misinterpretation of the type material used to describe this species. This error was corrected in 1988 with the New Zealand raspberry budmoth giving its own species name Heterocrossa rubophaga. H. adreptella is endemic to New Zealand and has been collected in the Wellington Botanic Garden and been observed resting on mānuka branches.

<i>Chalastra ochrea</i> Species of moth, endemic to New Zealand

Chalastra ochrea is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand. It has been observed in both the North and South Islands and inhabits native forest. Larvae of C. ochrea feed on the leaves of species in the genus Sophora including Sophora chathamica. Adults are on the wing from February until April. They have been collected via sugar traps.

<i>Epiphryne undosata</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Epiphryne undosata, also known as the lacebark looper, is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found on both the North and South Islands. It inhabits native forest. The larvae feed on plant species in the genera Hoheria and Plagianthus. They pupate amongst dead leaves in a silk cocoon. The adult moths have been observed on the wing all year round but are most commonly seen from November until February. The adult moths are extremely variable in both their colour intensity and wing pattern.

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

Asaphodes abrogata is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found from the central North Island as well as the South Island. This species is inhabits open country at altitudes of between 2000 and 4000 ft. Larvae have been reared on Plantago species including Plantago coronopus. It has been recommended that Plantago raoulii be planted to attracted this species. Adults are on the wing in February and March.

<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>Asaphodes beata</i> Species of moth

Asaphodes beata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is a relatively common species that can be found throughout the country in native forest or scrub habitat. It can be distinguished from its close relative Asaphodes adonis by the colour of its hind wings. The larvae of this species feeds on watercress but tends to be inactive during the day. If threatened it will mimic a twig dropping to the ground. The adult moths are on the wing from October to March and are said to be attracted to white rātā. The white markings on the forewing of the adults are variable in appearance.

<i>Asaphodes chlamydota</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Asaphodes chlamydota is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand, and can be found in the lower part of the North Island and in the South Island. It inhabits native forest and shrublands. The larvae of this species feeds on native Clematis plants including Clematis afoliata. Adults are on the wing from November to April and are regarded as having intermedia flight powers.

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

Asaphodes clarata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been found on the North and South Islands. The species inhabits open grassy areas, including tussock grasslands, in montane habitat. The larvae feed on the leaves of Ranunculus species. The adult moths are day flying and are on the wing from December to February and have been shown to pollinate Celmisia laricifolia and Hebe pinguifolia.

<i>Chalastra pellurgata</i> Species of moth, endemic to New Zealand

Chalastra pellurgata, also known as the brown fern moth or the pale fern looper, is a moth of the family Geometridae. This species was first described by Francis Walker in 1862. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found throughout the country. It inhabits native forest. This species is extremely variable both in its larval and adult life stage. Larvae of this species are active during spring and summer. They feed on the fronds of fern species. C. pellurgata pupates by forming a thin cocoon on the soil amongst leaf litter and moss. Adults are on the wing throughout the year but are most common from September to March. During the day adult moths can be observed resting on dead fern fronds. They become active from dusk and are attracted to light.

<i>Tingena hemimochla</i> Species of moth, endemic to New Zealand

Tingena hemimochla is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the North Island. Adults of this species are on the wing from December until March.

<i>Tingena letharga</i> Species of moth, endemic to New Zealand

Tingena letharga is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in Otago. Adults are on the wing in December and January.

<i>Tingena phegophylla</i> Species of moth, endemic to New Zealand

Tingena phegophylla is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the southern parts of the South Island. This species inhabits native beech forest. The adults of this species are on the wing in December.

<i>Tingena plagiatella</i> Species of moth, endemic to New Zealand

Tingena plagiatella is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in both the North and South Islands. This species inhabits light native bush or scrubland. Adults of this species are on the wing from November to January.

<i>Tingena xanthomicta</i> Species of moth, endemic to New Zealand

Tingena xanthomicta is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been found in both the North and South Islands. This species inhabits native scrub on hillsides and appears to be attracted to Coprosma areolata. Adults are on the wing from November until February.

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

Asaphodes nephelias is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the South Island. The preferred habitat of this species is alpine tussock grasslands above native forest and in wetlands. The adults of this species are on the wing from January to March and are day flying. The female has brachypterous wings.

<i>Dichromodes gypsotis</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Dichromodes gypsotis is a moth of the family Geometridae. This species was described by Edward Meyrick in 1888. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the lower half of the South Island. The species inhabits open rocky sites. The larvae of D. gypsotis feed on lichen. The adults are day flying and are on the wing from October to January.

<i>Homodotis falcata</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Homodotis falcata is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the southern part of the South Island. The larvae of this species feed on leaf litter and adults are on the wing for most months of the year. The forewings of this species can vary in depth of colour.

<i>Atomotricha sordida</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Atomotricha sordida is a moth in the family Oecophoridae first described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1877. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the South Island in the Canterbury and Otago regions. The adult female of the species is brachypterous.

References

  1. 1 2 "NZOR Name Details - Arctesthes catapyrrha (Butler, 1877)". www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Dugdale, J. S. (1988). "Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 14: 170–171. ISSN   0111-5383. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 January 2019. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 Patrick, Brian H.; Patrick, Hamish J.H.; Hoare, Robert J.B. (2019-05-29). "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.
  4. 1 2 Butler, Arthur Gardiner (1877). "On two collections of Heterocerous Lepidoptera from New Zealand, with descriptions of new genera and species". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London: 379–407 via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  5. Edward Meyrick (May 1884). "A Monograph of the New Zealand Geometrina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 16: 49–113. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q109615359.
  6. Edward Meyrick (1885). "Notes on the nomenclature of the New Zealand Geometrina". New Zealand Journal of Science. 2: 589. Wikidata   Q109608428.
  7. Edward Meyrick (1885). "Supplement to a monograph of the New Zealand Geometrina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 17: 62–68. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q111032066.
  8. George Vernon Hudson (1898), New Zealand moths and butterflies (Macro-lepidoptera) , Illustrator: George Hudson, London, doi:10.5962/BHL.TITLE.7912, OCLC   980865393, Wikidata   Q19073637 {{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  9. George Blundell Longstaff (1912). "On the Nomenclature of the Lepidoptera of New Zealand". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 44: 108–115. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q108324136.
  10. Edward Meyrick (December 1917). "Revision of New Zealand Notodontina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 49: 248–273. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q110727829.
  11. George Vernon Hudson (1928), The butterflies and moths of New Zealand, Illustrator: George Hudson, Wellington: Ferguson and Osborn Limited, p. 131, LCCN   88133764, OCLC   25449322, Wikidata   Q58593286
  12. 1 2 3 Craw, R. C. (1986-01-01). "Review of the genus Notoreas (sensu auctorum) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae)". New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 13 (1): 131–140. doi: 10.1080/03014223.1986.10422654 . ISSN   0301-4223.
  13. Barratt, B. I. P.; Patrick, B. H. (1987). "Insects of snow tussock grassland on the East Otago Plateau". New Zealand Entomologist. 10 (1): 69–98. doi:10.1080/00779962.1987.9722513.
  14. Crowe, Andrew (2017). Which New Zealand insect?. Penguin Books. p. 20. ISBN   978-0-14-100636-9.
  15. Patrick, B. H. (1992). "Supplement to the Lepidoptera of the Mackenzie Country with recommendations on their conservation". New Zealand Entomologist. 15 (1): 48–58. CiteSeerX   10.1.1.534.4540 . doi:10.1080/00779962.1992.9722629.
  16. 1 2 3 Patrick, Brian (1994). "Lepidoptera of Kaitorete Spit, Canterbury". New Zealand Entomologist. 17 (1): 52–63. CiteSeerX   10.1.1.580.6402 . doi:10.1080/00779962.1994.9721985. ISSN   0077-9962.
  17. Allen, R. B.; McIntosh, P. D. (1995). "Guidelines for conservation of salt pans in Central Otago" (PDF). Science for Conservation. 49: 1–46.
  18. 1 2 3 Macfarlane R.P.; Patrick B.H.; Vink C.J. (1999). McLeans Island: invertebrate inventory and analysis (Report). Christchurch City Council (Parks & Recreation Division) report. pp. 1–44. hdl:10182/4156.
  19. Richard B. Primack (July 1983). "Insect pollination in the New Zealand mountain flora". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 21 (3): 317–333. doi:10.1080/0028825X.1983.10428561. ISSN   0028-825X. Wikidata   Q54669862.