Asaphodes prasinias

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Asaphodes prasinias
Asaphodes prasinias female.jpg
Female
Asaphodes prasinias 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. prasinias
Binomial name
Asaphodes prasinias
(Meyrick, 1883) [1]
Synonyms [2]
  • Larentia prasiniasMeyrick, 1883
  • Xanthorhoe prasinias(Meyrick, 1883)

Asaphodes prasinias, also known as the yellow and brown carpet moth, [3] is a moth in the family Geometridae. [2] 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.

Contents

Taxonomy

Observation of live A. prasinias Asaphodes prasinias 174909676.jpg
Observation of live A. prasinias

This species was first described in 1883 by Edward Meyrick using specimens collected by Castle Hill in Canterbury by J. D. Enys and named Larentia prasinias. [4] [5] Meyrick gave a fuller description of the species later in 1884. [5] George Hudson discussed the species in his 1898 volume New Zealand moths and butterflies and referred to it as Xanthorhoe prasinias. [6] Hudson discussed and illustrated also this species under that name in his 1928 publication The butterflies and moths of New Zealand. [7] In 1939 Louis Beethoven Prout confirmed the placement of this species in the genus Larentia. [8] This placement was not accepted by New Zealand taxonomists. [9] In 1971 J. S. Dugdale placed this species in the genus Asaphodes. [10] This placement was reaffirmed by Dugdale in 1988. [2] The male lectotype, collected at Castle Hill, is held by the Natural History Museum, London. [2]

Description

Illustration of male A. prasinias by George Hudson. Fig 49 MA I437612 TePapa Plate-XIII-The-butterflies full (cropped).jpg
Illustration of male A. prasinias by George Hudson.

Meyrick described this species as follows:

Male, female. 26-29 mm. Forewings moderate, hindmargin slightly sinuate; bright yellow; numerous cloudy confused dentate brownish striae; a moderately broad rather dark fuscous median band, including a large ill defined clear yellow patch on upper half, containing a black dot; its margins dentate, anterior margin concave, posterior margin moderately angulated in middle, sinuate above; a subterminal row of small dark fuscous spots; cilia yellow, barred with dark fuscous. Hindwings moderate, hindmargin rounded; pale yellow; basal half finely and obscurely striated with bluish grey; hindmargin reddish-tinged, with a subterminal row of small grey spots. [5]

The appearance of this species can vary in the depth of ground colour, as well as the width of the transverse lines, on the forewings.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand in both the North and South Islands. [1] [7] Along with the type locality of Castle Hill this species has also been observed at Mount Taranaki, in the North Island, and at Mount Arthur, Arthur's Pass, Otira, Lake Wakatipu, and Invercargill. [6] [7] Although found in subalpine habitat, in the extreme south of the country, it can be observed in low land situations. [7] 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. [11]

Habitat

This species inhabits native forest including beech forests and subalpine scrub. [6] [7] Hudson stated that A. prasinias is attracted to Coprosma paviflora. [7]

Behaviour

The adults of this species is on the wing from November to January. [6] [7]

Hosts

The larvae of this species have been raised on species in the genus Ranunculus . [12]

Related Research Articles

<i>Cephalissa</i> Genus of moths

Cephalissa is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae. Its only species, Cephalissa siria, the orange triangle moth, is endemic to New Zealand. This species has been classified as nationally vulnerable by the Department of Conservation. It has suffered a contraction of its range, no longer being seen in Dunedin or Invercargill. It is currently found in the Mt Watkin Scenic Reserve, in eastern Otago, in the Rongahere Gorge and in the Dansey Ecological District. C. siria is known to inhabit kahikatea forest amongst Carex species as well as short tussock grasslands and shrubland. The larval host plant is Fuchsia perscandens. Adult moths are on the wing in October and November.

<i>Paradetis</i> Genus of moths endemic to New Zealand

Paradetis is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae. Its only species, Paradetis porphyrias, also known as the orange and purple fern looper, is endemic to New Zealand. The genus and species were first described by Edward Meyrick, the genus in 1885 and the species in 1883. It is found in both the North and South Islands. This species frequents the ferny glens and the banks of mountain streams. It is thought to be widespread in native forests with high rainfall. The larvae likely feeds on the fern Hypolepis millefolium. Adults are commonly on the wing from December to February and fly by the day close to the ground. When at rest the adult has its fore-wings placed slightly backwards, the antennae extended forwards and the end of the abdomen turned upwards. Adults have been trapped via a Mercury-vapour lamp.

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

Asaphodes camelias is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand, has been observed in both the North and South Islands and inhabits native forest. The adults of this species are on the wing from February to May and July to September.

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

Asaphodes obarata, also known as the blue carpet moth, 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.

<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 limonodes</i> Species of moth

Asaphodes limonodes is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in both the North and South Islands. This species inhabits damp native forest. Adults are on the wing from November until March.

<i>Orthoclydon chlorias</i> Species of moth

Orthoclydon chlorias is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.

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

Asaphodes mnesichola is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the South Island. This species inhabits subalpine native scrub. Adults of this species 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 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 periphaea</i> Species of moth

Asaphodes periphaea is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has only been collected in the mountains near Lake Wakatipu in the South Island. The male is fuscous coloured sprinkled with whitish colouration. The female is brachypterous. The preferred habitat of this species are alpine bluffs as well as mountainous open country. This species is on the wing from January to March.

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

Helastia triphragma, also known as the angle carpet moth, is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1883 and originally named Cidaria triphragma. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is only found in the South Island. It inhabits native scrub in coastal, lowland and montane areas. The larval host plant of this species is Helichrysum lanceolatum. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.

References

  1. 1 2 "Asaphodes prasinias (Meyrick, 1883)". www.nzor.org.nz. Retrieved 2022-01-22.
  2. 1 2 3 4 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: 174. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.14. ISSN   0111-5383. Wikidata   Q45083134.
  3. ↑ Crowe, Andrew (2017). Which New Zealand insect?. Penguin Books. p. 21. ISBN   978-0-14-100636-9.
  4. ↑ Edward Meyrick (September 1883). "Monograph of New Zealand Geometrina". New Zealand Journal of Science. 1: 528. Wikidata   Q110691894.
  5. 1 2 3 Edward Meyrick (May 1884). "A Monograph of the New Zealand Geometrina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 16: 81–82. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q109615359.
  6. 1 2 3 4 George Vernon Hudson (1898), New Zealand moths and butterflies (Macro-lepidoptera) , Illustrator: George Hudson, London, p. 65, doi:10.5962/BHL.TITLE.7912, OCLC   980865393, Wikidata   Q19073637 {{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  7. 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. 116, LCCN   88133764, OCLC   25449322, Wikidata   Q58593286
  8. ↑ Prout, L. B. (1939). "Geometridae: Fauna Indo-Australica". The Macrolepidoptera of the World. 12: 264 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  9. ↑ 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.
  10. ↑ 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.
  11. ↑ 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.
  12. ↑ 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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