Asaphodes clarata

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Asaphodes clarata
Asaphodes clarata female.jpg
Female
Asaphodes clarata 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. clarata
Binomial name
Asaphodes clarata
(Walker, 1862)
Synonyms [1]
  • Larentia clarataWalker, 1862
  • Xanthorhoe clarata(Walker, 1862)
  • Cidaria pyramariaGuenée, 1868

Asaphodes clarata, also know at the large striped carpet moth, is a species of moth of 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.

Contents

Taxonomy

This species was described by Francis Walker in 1862 as Larentia clarata using material collected in Waikouaiti in Otago. [1] [2] Meyrick discussed this species under that name in both 1883 and 1884 and also synonymised Cidaria pyramaria with this species. [3] [4] George Hudson also discussed and illustrated this species under the name Xanthorhoe clarata in both 1898 and in 1928. [5] [6] In 1971 John S. Dugdale confirmed the placement of this species in the genus Asaphodes. [7] In 1988 Dugdale confirmed this placement in his catalogue of New Zealand Lepidoptera. [1] The female holotype specimen, collected at Waikouaiti, is held at the Natural History Museum, London. [1]

Description

A. clarata larva. LEPI Geometridae Asaphodes clarata larva.png
A. clarata larva.
Illustration of female A. clarata by George Hudson. Fig 27 MA I437613 TePapa Plate-XIV-The-butterflies full (cropped).jpg
Illustration of female A. clarata by George Hudson.

Hudson described the species as follows:

The expansion of the wings of the male is 1+1⁄2 inches, of the female 1+3⁄8 inches. The species differs from the preceding in the following respects : The ground colour of the forewings is brighter, the markings are less oblique and much more jagged; the large white central band is often broken up into several distinct oval patches, the costal edge is very slightly shaded with brown, and the transverse lines do not disappear before reaching the costa. The hind-wings are bright ochreous. The cilia of all the wings are white, strongly barred with yellowish-brown. [5]

This species varies in the colour intensity and the width of the white markings of its forewings. [6]

Distribution

A. clarata is endemic to New Zealand. [8] [9] It is an upland species and occurs on the tussock covered slopes of ranges in both the North and South Islands. [10] It has been recorded as being present in Otago and in Canterbury. [11] [12]

Behaviour

Live A. clarata. Asaphodes clarata 21257293.jpg
Live A. clarata.

The adults of this species are on the wing from November to March. [6] It is a day flying moth. [12]

Habitat and host species

This species frequents open grassy patches in montane habitat. [5] Larvae of this species feed on the foliage of Ranunculus species. [13] [14] The adult moth has been shown to pollinate Celmisia laricifolia and Hebe pinguifolia. [15] It is attracted to light. [16]

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>Stigmella oriastra</i> Species of moth

Stigmella oriastra is a moth of the family Nepticulidae. This species was first described by Edward Meyrick. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the South Island. The larva are leaf miners of Celmisia species, including Celmisia coriacea and Celmisia densiflora. They have been recorded in February, April and May. Adults are on the wing in January and from October to December. Adults run and takes rapid short flights. There is likely one generation per year.

<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>Elachista ochroleuca</i> Species of moth

Elachista ochroleuca is a moth in the family Elachistidae. It was described by Edward Meyrick in 1923. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the South Island. The adults of this species are day flying and are on the wing from October until March.

<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 in the South Island. This species is inhabits open country from sea level up to over 5000 ft but have been observed commonly at altitudes of between 2000 and 4000 ft. Larvae have been reared on Plantago species including Plantago coronopus. Adults are on the wing between February and April. It has been recommended that Plantago raoulii be planted to attracted this species.

<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 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 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 frivola</i> Species of moth

Asaphodes frivola, also known as the remuremu looper moth or Foveaux looper moth, is a species of moth in the family Geometridae with flightless females. It is endemic to New Zealand, and critically endangered, occurring in a very narrow and specialised habitat at just two small coastal sites near Invercargill.

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

Asaphodes stinaria is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has previously been observed in both the North and South Islands. The range of this species has contracted and it has recently only been located in Westland, Otago and Southland. This species inhabits wetlands, tussock country, and in grassy openings in native forest. The larval host species has been hypothesised as being 'hairy' Ranunculus species however as at 2000 this hasn't been confirmed. It is classified as Nationally Vulnerable by the Department of Conservation. There has been considerable reductions of the range of this species with it possibly becoming extinct in eastern parts of New Zealand.

<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 cosmodora</i> Species of moth

Asaphodes cosmodora is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the South Island. The adults of this species are on the wing in January and February.

<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 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>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 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.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Dugdale, J. S. (1988). "Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 14: 173. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 January 2019. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  2. ↑ Walker, Francis (1862). "Geometrites (continued)". List of the Specimens of Lepidopterous Insects in the Collection of the British Museum. XXIV: 1021–1280 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  3. ↑ Edward Meyrick (September 1883). "Descriptions of New Zealand Micro-Lepidoptera.—III.—Oecophoridae". New Zealand Journal of Science. 1: 528. Wikidata   Q106368126.
  4. ↑ Edward Meyrick (May 1884). "A Monograph of the New Zealand Geometrina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 16: 79. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q109615359.
  5. 1 2 3 Hudson, George Vernon (1898). New Zealand moths and butterflies (Macro-lepidoptera). London: West, Newman & Co. pp. 61–62. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.7912.
  6. 1 2 3 Hudson, G. V. (1928), The butterflies and moths of New Zealand, Illustrator: George Hudson, Wellington: Ferguson and Osborn Limited, pp. 118–119, LCCN   88133764, OCLC   25449322, Wikidata   Q58593286
  7. ↑ 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.
  8. ↑ Gordon, Dennis P., ed. (2010). New Zealand inventory of biodiversity: Kingdom animalia: chaetognatha, ecdysozoa, ichnofossils. Vol. 2. p. 459. ISBN   978-1-877257-93-3. OCLC   973607714. OL   25288394M. Wikidata   Q45922947.
  9. ↑ "Asaphodes clarata (Walker, 1862)". www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 2018-07-10.
  10. ↑ Gaskin, D. E. (1966). The butterflies and common moths of New Zealand. Christchurch: Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd. p. 138. OCLC   4624894.
  11. ↑ Patrick, B. (January 1982). "Lepidoptera of Danseys Pass, Otago" (PDF). New Zealand Entomologist. 7 (3): 332–336. doi:10.1080/00779962.1982.9722418. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-09-29. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  12. 1 2 White, E. G. (1991). "The changing abundance of moths in a tussock grassland, 1962-1989, and 50-to 70-year trends". New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 15 (1): 5–22. CiteSeerX   10.1.1.411.5259 .
  13. ↑ "PlantSynz - Invertebrate herbivore biodiversity assessment tool: Database". plant-synz.landcareresearch.co.nz. Retrieved 2018-07-10.
  14. ↑ 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.
  15. ↑ Primack, Richard B. (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.
  16. ↑ Carey Knox (2024). Butterflies & Moths of Aotearoa New Zealand. John Beaufoy Publishing. p. 42. ISBN   978-1-913679-66-8. Wikidata   Q130640046.
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