Asaphodes obarata

Last updated

Asaphodes obarata
Asaphodes obarata male.jpg
Male
Asaphodes obarata female.jpg
Female
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: Asaphodes
Species:
A. obarata
Binomial name
Asaphodes obarata
(Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875) [2]
Synonyms [3]
  • Cidaria obarataFelder & Rogenhofer, 1875
  • Larentia obarata(Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875)
  • Xanthorhoe obarata(Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875)

Asaphodes obarata, also known as the blue carpet moth, [4] is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been collected in both the North and South Islands. It seems to inhabit the margins of native forest and also frequents plains, with an affinity for gorse hedges. The host plants of the larvae of this species are unknown. The adults are on the wing in December and January. It is classified as critically endangered by the Department of Conservation. There has been a contraction of range of A. obarata with it now being regarded as locally extinct in both Dunedin and Invercargill.

Contents

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Cajetan Felder and Alois Friedrich Rogenhofer in 1875 as Cidaria obarata. [5] The female holotype specimen was collected by Thomas R. Oxley in Nelson and is held at the Natural History Museum in London. [3] Edward Meyrick placed the species within the genus Larentia in 1884. [6] In 1898 George Vernon Hudson placed the species within the genus Xanthorhoe. [7] In 1971 John S. Dugdale assigned Xanthorhoe obarata to the genus Asaphodes. [8] In 1988 Dugdale confirmed this placement in his catalogue of New Zealand Lepidoptera. [3]

Description

Illustration of A. obarata by George Hudson. Fig 40 MA I437612 TePapa Plate-XIII-The-butterflies full (cropped).jpg
Illustration of A. obarata by George Hudson.

Hudson described A. obarata as follows: [7]

The expansion of the wings is barely 1 inch. The fore-wings are pale greyish-ochreous; there is an interrupted reddish-brown transverse band near the base; two faint, interrupted shaded blackish hues, one at about one-third and the other at about two-thirds, enclosing between them a large central area, which contains a very distinct black dot above the middle, and several irregular shaded black marks; beyond this there is a wavy reddish-brown band; the apex of the wing is somewhat projecting, and the termen is considerably bowed. The hind-wings are pale grey, with a paler central band, and numerous faint, wavy, darker grey lines. The cilia of all the wings are white, banded with dark grey. [7]

Distribution

Asaphodes obarata is endemic to New Zealand. [2] [9] As well as Nelson, it has been collected in Wellington, Christchurch and at the foot of Mount Hutt. [7] It has also been collected at Waimarino and Ohakune in the North Island as well as in Akaroa, Otira, Dunedin, Queenstown and Invercargill in the South Island. [10]

This species is regarded as being rare. [4] There has been a contraction of range in Dunedin and Southland; and this species is now considered locally extinct in both Dunedin and Invercargill. [11] [12]

Ecology and habitat

Hudson states that this species could be found on the margins of forests [10] and R. W. Fereday communicated that it was a plain-frequenting species that has an affinity for gorse hedges. [7] Hudson also stated that adult moths were on the wing in December and January. [10]

Host plants

The host plants of this species are unknown. [12]

Conservation status

This moth is classified under the New Zealand Threat Classification system as being Nationally Critical. [1] It has been hypothesised that this species is likely under threat as a result of habitat loss. [13]

Related Research Articles

<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>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>Scoparia ustimacula</i> Species of insect

Scoparia ustimacula, also known as the black-marked brown Scoparia moth, is a species of moth in the family Crambidae. It was described by Cajetan Felder, Rudolf Felder and Alois Friedrich Rogenhofer in 1875. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in the North, South and Stewart Islands. This species inhabits dense native forest at altitudes from sea level to approximately 1000 m. Although little is known of the life history of this species, larvae have been observed feeding on Hydrocotyle species. Adults are on the wing year round but are more commonly observed from September to March. Adults are nocturnal, are attracted to light and have been collected by beating scrub.

<i>Apoctena taipana</i> Species of moth

Apoctena taipana is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in both the North and South Islands. The larvae created a silken tube in which they hide and also use to travel from leaf to leaf. They tunnel into the leaves of their host. Larvae can be found from June to August. Adult moths can be seen on the wing from October to January.

<i>Gadira acerella</i> Species of moth

Gadira acerella is a moth in the family Crambidae. It was first described by Francis Walker. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found throughout the country. The species inhabits native forest from sea level up to subalpine altitudes. Larvae are assumed to feed on lichen or moss. Adults are on the wing from October until March, are active at night and are attracted to light. This species is distinctively patterned and coloured and is said to resemble a bird dropping at rest. The colouring also assists to camouflage the moth when it rests against lichen.

<i>Glaucocharis interruptus</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Glaucocharis interruptus is a moth of the family Crambidae. It was first described by Cajetan von Felder, Rudolf Felder and Alois Friedrich Rogenhofer in 1875. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North and South Islands. This species inhabits native forest and scrub at lowland and subalpine altitudes. It has been observed in scrub in river valleys or in mountain ravines. Larvae of Glaucocharis species feed on mosses and liverworts. Adults can be distinguished from similar appearing species by the Y-shaped reniform. They are on the wing from October to March and it is likely this species has two broods a year.

<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 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>Gingidiobora subobscurata</i> Species of moth

Gingidiobora subobscurata is a species of moth in the family Crambidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species has been 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>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 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.

<i>Trachypepla conspicuella</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Trachypepla conspicuella is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in both the North and South Islands. It is similar in appearance to its close relative T. euryleucota but tends to be paler. Its colouration imitates bird droppings. Larvae feed on leaf litter. Adults of this species are on the wing from November to February and have been observed resting on fences and walls.

<i>Pseudocoremia lupinata</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Pseudocoremia lupinata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in both the North and South Islands. The favoured habitat of this species is Kānuka scrubland as its larval hosts are species in the genus Kunzea. Both the larvae and adults of this species are nocturnal. Adult moths are commonly on the wing from December to June and are attracted to light.

References

  1. 1 2 Hoare, R.J.B.; Dugdale, J.S.; Edwards, E.D.; Gibbs, G.W.; Patrick, B.H.; Hitchmough, R.A.; Rolfe, J.R. (2017). Conservation status of New Zealand butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), 2015 (PDF). Wellington, New Zealand: New Zealand Department of Conservation. p. 5. ISBN   9781988514383.
  2. 1 2 "Asaphodes obarata (Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875)". www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 Dugdale, J. S. (1988). "Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 14: 174. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 January 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  4. 1 2 Crowe, Andrew (2017). Which New Zealand insect?. Penguin Books. p. 21. ISBN   978-0-14-100636-9.
  5. ↑ Felder, Cajetan; Rogenhofer, Alois Friedrich (1864–1867). "Reise der österreichischen Fregatte Novara". Reise der österreichischen Fregatte Novara um die Erde in den Jahren 1857, 1858, 1859 unter den Befehlen des Commodore B. Von W. pt.9:Bd.2:Abt.2 (1864-1867) Atlas: cxxxiii fig 33 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  6. ↑ Meyrick, Edward (1884). "A monograph of the New Zealand Geometrina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 16: 49–113. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Hudson, G. V. (1898). New Zealand moths and butterflies (macro-lepidoptera). London: Newman & Co. p. 66. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.7912.
  8. ↑ Dugdale, J. S. (10 November 1971). "Entomology of the Aucklands and other Islands south of New Zealand: Lepidoptera, excluding non-Crambine Pyralidae" (PDF). Pacific Insects Monograph. 27: 55–172 – via Bishop Museum.
  9. ↑ 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.
  10. 1 2 3 Hudson, G. V. (1928). The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. Wellington: Ferguson & Osborn Ltd. p. 121.
  11. ↑ Patrick, Brian H. (2017). "Ecology and conservation of the rare moth Asaphodes frivola Meyrick". The Weta. 47: 17–38. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  12. 1 2 Patrick, Brian; Dugdale, John S. (2000). Conservation status of the New Zealand Lepidoptera (PDF). Wellington, New Zealand: Department of Conservation. p. 20. ISBN   0478218672.
  13. ↑ Brian, Patrick (2000). Conservation status of two rare New Zealand geometrid moths (PDF). Wellington, N.Z.: Department of Conservation. ISBN   0478219466. OCLC   54078998.
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.