Asaphodes aegrota

Last updated

Asaphodes aegrota
Asaphodes aegrota female.jpg
Female
Asaphodes aegrota male.jpg
Male
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Geometridae
Genus: Asaphodes
Species:
A. aegrota
Binomial name
Asaphodes aegrota
(Butler, 1879) [1]
Synonyms [2] [3]
  • Selidosema aegrotaButler, 1879
  • Larentia aegrota(Butler, 1879)
  • Xanthorhoe aegrota(Butler, 1879)

Asaphodes aegrota, also known as the dull brown looper, is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. [4] It was first described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1879 as Selidosema aegrota. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in the North, South and Stewart Islands. This species inhabits open spaces in lowland native forest. The larvae of A. aegrota feed on native herbs and have also been observed feeding of the introduced lawn daisy. The adults are variable in appearance with the markings on both sides of its wings varying in intensity. Some populations also have narrow winged females. Adults are on the wing from November until March.

Contents

Taxonomy

Living male A. aegrota. Asaphodes aegrota 169707226.jpg
Living male A. aegrota.

This species was first described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1879 using specimens collected at Wairarapa by F. W. Hutton and named Selidosema aegrota. [5] George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species under the name Xanthorhoe aegrota in 1898 and again in 1928. [6] [3] In 1939 Louis Beethoven Prout placed this species in the genus Larentia. [7] This placement was not accepted by New Zealand taxonomists. [8] In 1971 John S. Dugdale placed this species in the genus Asaphodes. [9] In 1988 Dugdale confirmed this placement in his catalogue of New Zealand Lepidoptera. [2] The male holotype specimen is held at the Natural History Museum, London. [2]

Description

Illustration of male A. aegrota by George Hudson. Fig 18 MA I437613 TePapa Plate-XIV-The-butterflies full (cropped).jpg
Illustration of male A. aegrota by George Hudson.

Butler originally described this species as follows:

Whity-brown, wings with a marginal series of small blackish spots in pairs; fringe white, spotted with blackish and intersected by a dark grey line; basal two-thirds of the primaries crossed by about seven parallel dusky lines commencing upon the costal margin in black dots; discocellulars black; under surface of primaries greyish-brown with pale grey borders, the costal border crossed by four or five white-edged blackish dashes; marginal spots as above; secondaries white, crossed by about eight strongly arched parallel brown lines which become very indistinct upon the costal area; disc from the radial to the abdominal margin clouded with brown; marginal spots as above; body white. [5]

This species is variable in appearance and the intensity of the markings on both the lower and upper sides of its wings can vary considerably. [3] It also has populations that have narrow winged females such as in the Wairau Valley, Marlborough. [9]

It can be distinguished from the similar appearing Asaphodes abrogata as A. aegrota lacks dark colouration at the outer edge of the forewings. [10]

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found on the North, South and Stewart Islands. [1] [3]

Habitat

This species inhabits open spaces in lowland native forest, tussock grassland as well as scrub. [3] [10] Hudson observed it amongst Discaria toumatou . [3]

Behaviour

The adults of this species are on the wing from November until March. [3] Adults are attracted to light. [11] Gaskin hypothesised that this species could produce two broods a year but also suggested it might only have one brood with hibernating adults. [11]

Host species

Bellis perennis, an introduced host plant for larvae of A. aegrota. Bellis perennis 26598961.jpg
Bellis perennis, an introduced host plant for larvae of A. aegrota.

Larvae of this species feed on herbs. [12] They have also been found feeding on introduced lawn daisies. [13] [14]

Related Research Articles

<i>Pasiphila charybdis</i> Species of moth

Pasiphila charybdis is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.

<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>Homodotis megaspilata</i> Species of moth

Homodotis megaspilata, also known as the small hooked-tip looper moth, is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found throughout the country. It is regarded as being common species. The preferred habitat of this species is native forest, scrub, coastal areas and domestic gardens. Larvae feed on the dead leaves of Geniostoma ligustrifolium and likely other native plants. Once mature the larvae will pupate on the ground forming a silken cocoon protected by hiding inside two leaves of its host plant. Adults are nocturnal and are on the wing from October to April. They are attracted to light. In appearance the adults of this species are extremely variable but can be distinguished from similar species as all variations have forewings with blunt hook shaped tips.

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

Asaphodes adonis is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. It is found in native forest at altitudes of between 300 and 1200 metres. Larvae have been reared on species of Ranunculus. Adults are on the wing in January and February.

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

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, mainly observed in clearings. It can be distinguished from its close relative Asaphodes adonis by the colour of its hindwings. 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 commonly from October to March but have been observed in all months of the year. Adults 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 September to April and are regarded as having intermedia flight powers.

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

Asaphodes imperfecta is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the southern part of the South Island. The species inhabits low lying swampy native forest. The host plants of the larvae of this species is unknown. The adults are on the wing in December and January. It is classified as critically endangered 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>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>Asaphodes omichlias</i> Species of moth, endemic to New Zealand

Asaphodes omichlias is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in both the North and South Islands. This species inhabits rocky, open country in high mountains. Adults are on the wing in January and February. The appearance of the adult of this species is variable with some specimens having a paler and more grey appearance than the more usual brown appearance. Its colouration ensures it blends well with its preferred habitat rocky, open country in the high mountains.

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

Asaphodes stephanitis is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the southern parts of the South Island. this species inhabits coastal sand hills and grassland and is regarded as being rare. Adults are on the wing from January to March.

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

Asaphodes oraria is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the southern South Island and on Stewart Island / Rakiura. The male is pale yellow coloured and the female has severely reduced wings and is flightless. The habitat of this species is tussock grasslands on coastal sand dunes and in the mountains at elevations of approximately 4,000 ft. The larvae have adapted to feeding on exotic lawn daisy species in the genus Bellis. The adults of this species are on the wing from November to April.

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

Asaphodes oxyptera is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is only found in the Auckland Islands.

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

Asaphodes prasinias, also known as the yellow and brown carpet moth, is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been found on both the North and South Islands. This species inhabits native forest including beech forest and subalpine scrub. The range of this species has reduced as this species is regarded as being locally extinct in the previously inhabited open non-forest habitats around Invercargill. Adults are on the wing from November to January.

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

Asaphodes recta is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the southern parts of the South Island. The preferred habitat of this species is open tussock grassland. The adults are on the wing in February and March. Larvae of this species have been reared on species in the genera Ranunculus and Bellis.

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

Asaphodes sericodes is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the southern parts of the South Island. This species inhabits open tussock grasslands in subalpine scrub or wetlands. The female of the species is likely semi-apterous and is flightless. The adult males are on the wing in January.

<i>Austrocidaria callichlora</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Austrocidaria callichlora, also known as the green Coprosma carpet moth, is a species of moth of the family Geometridae. It endemic to New Zealand. This species is found in both the North and South Islands where it inhabits native shrubland and forest as well as tussock. Larvae feed on Coprosma species.

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

Helastia semisignata is a moth of the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is only found in the North Island. The life history of this species is in need of further investigation as sources differ about what plants host the larvae. Adults are on the wing commonly from October until March.

<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>Hydriomena arida</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Hydriomena arida, also known as the Gunnera carpet moth, is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It was first described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1879. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in both the South and Stewart Islands where it inhabits native forest. It has been observed at up to 3000 ft. Larvae feed on Gunnera monoica. Adults of this species are on the wing from December until February and are nocturnal and attracted to light. This species is regarded as being uncommon.

References

  1. 1 2 "Asaphodes aegrota (Butler, 1879)". www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 Dugdale , J. S. (23 September 1988). "Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa". Fauna of New Zealand. 14. Department of Scientific and Industrial Research: 172. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.14. ISSN   0111-5383. Wikidata   Q45083134.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Hudson, G. V. (1928), The butterflies and moths of New Zealand, Illustrator: George Hudson, Wellington: Ferguson and Osborn Limited, p. 120, LCCN   88133764, OCLC   25449322, Wikidata   Q58593286
  4. ↑ Gordon, Dennis P., ed. (2010). New Zealand inventory of biodiversity: Kingdom animalia: chaetognatha, ecdysozoa, ichnofossils. Vol. 2. p. 458. ISBN   978-1-877257-93-3. OCLC   973607714. OL   25288394M. Wikidata   Q45922947.
  5. 1 2 Arthur Gardiner Butler (1879). "On a small collection of Heterocerous Lepidoptera, from New Zealand". Cistula entomologica. 2: 499. Wikidata   Q104215588.
  6. ↑ George Vernon Hudson (1898), New Zealand moths and butterflies (Macro-lepidoptera) , Illustrator: George Hudson, London, p. 64, doi:10.5962/BHL.TITLE.7912, OCLC   980865393, Wikidata   Q19073637 {{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  7. ↑ Prout, L. B. (1939). "Geometridae: Fauna Indo-Australica". The Macrolepidoptera of the World. 12: 264 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  8. ↑ R. C. Craw (April 1987). "Revision of the genus Helastia sensu stricto with description of a new genus (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae)". New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 14 (2): 269–293. doi:10.1080/03014223.1987.10422997. ISSN   0301-4223. Wikidata   Q54670161.
  9. 1 2 Dugdale, J. S. (10 November 1971). "Entomology of the Aucklands and other islands south of New Zealand: Lepidoptera, excluding non-crambine Pyralidae". Pacific Insects Monographs . 27: 55–172. ISSN   0078-7515. Wikidata   Q64006453.
  10. 1 2 Carey Knox (2024). Butterflies & Moths of Aotearoa New Zealand. John Beaufoy Publishing. p. 42. ISBN   978-1-913679-66-8. Wikidata   Q130640046.
  11. 1 2 David Edward Gaskin (1966), The butterflies and common moths of New Zealand, p. 137, Wikidata   Q115000559
  12. ↑ K. J. M. Dickinson; A. F. Mark; B. I. P. Barratt; B. H. Patrick (March 1998). "Rapid ecological survey, inventory and implementation: a case study from Waikaia Ecological Region, New Zealand". Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 28 (1): 83–156. doi:10.1080/03014223.1998.9517556. ISSN   0303-6758. Wikidata   Q54578259.
  13. ↑ Brian H. Patrick (April 2000). "Conservation status of two rare New Zealand geometrid moths" (PDF). Science for Conservation. 145: 1–21. ISSN   1173-2946. Wikidata   Q109608608.
  14. ↑ Brian Patrick (1 July 2014). "Ecology and conservation of the rare moth Asaphodes frivola Meyrick". The Wētā. 47: 17–38. ISSN   0111-7696. Wikidata   Q105344866.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.