Asaphodes beata

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Asaphodes beata
Asaphodes beata female.jpg
Female
Asaphodes beata 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. beata
Binomial name
Asaphodes beata
(Butler, 1877) [1]
Synonyms [1]
  • Cidaria beataButler, 1877
  • Xanthorhoe beata(Butler, 1877)
  • Xanthorhoe benedictaMeyrick, 1914
  • Larentia beata(Butler, 1877)

Asaphodes beata (also known as the dotted green carpet moth) [2] is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. [3] 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.

Contents

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1877 as Cidaria beata using a specimen from the collection of J. D. Enys. [4] In 1884 Edward Meyrick placed this species in the genus Larentia. [5] George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species both in his 1898 book under the name Xanthorhoe beata and again in his 1928 publication under the name Xanthorhoe benedicata. [6] [7] In 1927 Louis Beethoven Prout synonymised Xanthorhoe benedicta with Xanthorhoe beata. [8] In 1939 Prout placed this species back in the genus Larentia. [9] However this placement was not accepted by New Zealand taxonomists. [10] In 1971 John S. Dugdale placed this species in the genus Asaphodes. [11] This placement was affirmed by Dugdale in 1988. [12] The male holotype specimen, likely collected at Castle Hill in mid Canterbury, is held at the Natural History Museum, London. [12]

Description

Observation of A. beata. Asaphodes beata 1346029.jpg
Observation of A. beata.
Observation of A. beata. Asaphodes beata by Steve Kerr.jpg
Observation of A. beata.

Hudson described the egg of this moth as being:

about one fiftieth of an inch in length, oval, considerably flattened, with a distinct concavity on each side. It is green, highly polished, with numerous very shallow hexagonal depressions. Its colour changes to greyish-green about two days prior to hatching. [7]

He described the larvae as:

orange-brown, becoming greenish-brown soon after emergence. The full-grown larva is dark brown above and pale brown beneath, the two colours being sharply separated on the sides by a broken white line. A series of V-shaped markings is situated on the back, each mark enclosing a paler area. Several fine black wavy lines traverse the darker portions of the larva, and a dark mark, edged with black beneath, is situated on each segment just above the ventral surface. [6]

The larva forms a frail cocoon on the ground in which it pupates. [6]

Butler originally described the adults of this species as follows:

Above very similar in pattern to the preceding species, but much smaller, and the primaries with all the markings olive-green instead of bronzy brown; the secondaries white instead of yellow, with a pale pinky brown outer border; thorax olive-green; abdomen testaceous : primaries below with the basal area, to the extremity of the dentated central band of the upper surface, madder-brown; costa testaceous, tinted with olivaceous, and crossed by ferruginous bars; disk whitey-brown; apex and outer border shining testaceous, almost golden; a submarginal series of white dots; fringe silvery white, black-spotted; secondaries pale testaceous, increasing in intensity to the outer border, which is golden, crossed by parallel crenate olivaceous lines, three of which form a central band, relieved externally by white lunules; disk crossed by paler olivaceous lines, followed by a submarginal series of white lunules; body below testaceous. Expanse of wings 1 inch. [4]

This species can be distinguished from its close relative A. adonis by the colour of its hindwings. [13] Hudson states that the white markings on the forewings of this moth are variable. [6] It is also very similar in appearance to A. philpotti , to the point where A. philpotti was previously encapsulated within the concept of this species. [14] However A. beata has black marks inside the white discal spots on the forewings which A. philpotti lacks. [15] A. philpotti also distributed in more southerly locations. [2]

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. [1] This relatively common species can be found in native forest throughout the country. [2] It frequents forest clearings. [2] It can also be found in coastal habitat. [15]

Behaviour

The larvae of this species are inactive during the day and when threatened mimics a twig dropping to the ground. [7] Adult moths are most commonly on the wing from October until March but have been observed in all months of the year. [7] [15] Adults are attracted to light. [2]

Habitat and hosts

Nasturtium officinale, introduced host species Nasturtium officinale 154629037.jpg
Nasturtium officinale, introduced host species

This species inhabits native forest and scrub. [7] Hudson stated that the larvae of this species feed on watercress. [6] Larvae have also been found feeding on plants on the forest floor including on native herb plants in the genera Epilobium , Cardamine , and Stellaria . [16] [17] Adults are said to be attracted to the flowers of the white rātā. [6]

Related Research Articles

<i>Asaphodes</i> Genus of moths

Asaphodes is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae erected by Edward Meyrick in 1885. This genus is endemic to New Zealand and species within this genus are found throughout New Zealand including the North, South and Stewart / Rakiura Islands.

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

Asaphodes aegrota, also known as the dull brown looper, is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. 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.

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

Asaphodes albalineata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed on Stewart Island / Rakiura. This species is similar in appearance to Asaphodes oraria but can be distinguished as it has an unusual pattern on the underside of its hindwings. It inhabits open hill tops and adults are on the wing in December.

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

Asaphodes aphelias is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in Fiordland. This species inhabits damp native scrub and has been observed in upland wetlands at altitudes of between 800 and 1100 m. Adults are on the wing in February but the female of this species is unusual as it has narrow fore and hind wings.

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

Asaphodes cataphracta, also known as the western brown carpet moth, is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the South Island. This species prefers grassy or tussock covered mountain side slopes as habitat. The adults of this species are on the wing from December until March. The larvae of A. cataphracta is known to consume native mountain buttercups (Ranunculaceae).

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

Asaphodes chionogramma is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and found in both the North and South Islands. This species inhabits the lower slopes of mountains in valleys with native forest at altitudes of between 2000 and 3000 ft. The adults of this species are on the wing in December and January.

<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 cinnabari</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Asaphodes cinnabari is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in Otago and Southland where it lives in alpine swampy habitat. Adults of this species are on the wing in November.

<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 exoriens</i> Species of moth

Asaphodes exoriens is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been found in Central Otago. This is an alpine species and frequents open grassy habitat. They can also be found in upland wetland habitat at altitudes between 800 and 1100 m. Adults are on the wing in March.

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

Asaphodes helias is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand. It has been found in the middle and southern parts of the South Island. This species frequents tussock and scrubby habitat. The host plants of the larvae of this species include Cardamine and Ranunculus species. They have also been witnessed feeding on exotic buttercup species in the genus Bellis. Adults are on the wing in January and February.

<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 philpotti</i> Species of moth

Asaphodes philpotti, also known as the bright green carpet moth, is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been found from the central North Island as well as in the South Island. This species inhabits wet native forest and larvae are hosted by species in the genera Hydrocotyle and Cardamine.

<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 stricta</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Austrocidaria stricta is a species of moth of the family Geometridae. This species was described by Alfred Philpott in 1915. It endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the Fiordland and Otago regions. A. stricta inhabits upland scrubland. Larvae feed on the leaves of Coprosma species. Adults are on the wing in February and March.

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

Helastia farinata is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was first described by William Warren in 1896. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North Island. H. farinata inhabits shady and damp forest ravines.

<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.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "NZOR Name Details - Asaphodes beata (Butler, 1877)". www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Crowe, Andrew (2017). Which New Zealand insect?. Penguin Books. p. 20. ISBN   978-0-14-100636-9.
  3. ↑ 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.
  4. 1 2 Arthur G. Butler (1877). "On two Collections of Heterocerous Lepidoptera from New Zealand, with descriptions of new Genera and Species". Journal of Zoology . 1877: 397. ISSN   1469-7998. Wikidata   Q109479517.
  5. ↑ Edward Meyrick (May 1884). "A Monograph of the New Zealand Geometrina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 16: 79–80. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q109615359.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 George Vernon Hudson (1898), New Zealand moths and butterflies (Macro-lepidoptera) , Illustrator: George Hudson, London, p. 63, doi:10.5962/BHL.TITLE.7912, OCLC   980865393, Wikidata   Q19073637 {{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Hudson, G. V. (1928), The butterflies and moths of New Zealand, Illustrator: George Hudson, Wellington: Ferguson and Osborn Limited, p. 117, LCCN   88133764, OCLC   25449322, Wikidata   Q58593286
  8. ↑ Louis Beethoven Prout (15 August 1927). "Notes on New Zealand Geometridae". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 58: 77. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q110670763.
  9. ↑ Prout, L. B. (1939). "Geometridae: Fauna Indo-Australica". The Macrolepidoptera of the World. 12: 264 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  10. ↑ 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.
  11. ↑ 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.
  12. 1 2 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.
  13. ↑ Meyrick, E (1908). "Notes and descriptions of New Zealand lepidoptera". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 41: 6 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  14. ↑ Louis Beethoven Prout (15 August 1927). "Notes on New Zealand Geometridae". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 58: 77–78. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q110670763.
  15. 1 2 3 Carey Knox (2024). Butterflies & Moths of Aotearoa New Zealand. John Beaufoy Publishing. p. 43. ISBN   978-1-913679-66-8. Wikidata   Q130640046.
  16. ↑ Crowe, Andrew (2017). Which New Zealand insect?. Penguin Books. p. 20. ISBN   978-0-14-100636-9.
  17. ↑ 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.
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