Austrocidaria prionota

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Austrocidaria prionota
Fig 29 Pl XLVIII The butterflies 1928 (cropped).jpg
Male
Fig 30 Plate XLVIII The butterflies 1928 (cropped).jpg
Female
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Geometridae
Genus: Austrocidaria
Species:
A. prionota
Binomial name
Austrocidaria prionota
(Meyrick, 1883) [1]
Synonyms
  • Arsinoe prionotaMeyrick, 1883
  • Anachloris prionota(Meyrick, 1883)
  • Euphyia prionota(Meyrick, 1883)
  • Hydriomena prionota(Meyrick, 1883)

Austrocidaria prionota is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in the South Island and is regarded as being uncommon. Larvae of this species have been recorded as feeding on Myrsine divaricata as well as on species of Coprosma. Adults are nocturnal and are attracted to light.

Contents

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1883 using specimens collected at Castle Hill and Dunedin, and given the name Arsinoe prionota. [2] Meyrick described the species in more detail in 1884. [3] In 1886 Meyrick recognised that the genus name he had used for this species had been used previously and renamed the species with the genus Anachloris. [4] In 1917 Meyrick synonymised Anachloris with Hydriomena. [5] George Hudson described and illustrated the species both in his 1898 book New Zealand Moths and Butterflies (Macro-lepidoptera) and in his 1928 book The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand using the name Hydriomena prionota. [6] [7] In 1939 L. B. Prout discussed this species under the name Euphyia prionota. [8] However 1971 J. S. Dugdale placed this species within the genus Austrocidaria. [9] In that same publication Dugdale suggested that A. prionota may actually be the same species as Austrocidaria lithurgia. [9] However in 1988 Dugdale reaffirmed this species placement within the genus Austrocidaria. [10] The male lectotype specimen is held at the Canterbury Museum. [10]

Description

Male lectotype specimen. Austrocidaria prionota male lectotype.jpg
Male lectotype specimen.

Meyrick described the species as follows:

Male, female. — 27-31 mm. Forewings moderate, hindmargin rounded, in male crenate, in female dentate ; light-ochreous ; numerous indistinct sinuate dentate fuscous or dark fuscous striae ; in male costa and hind- margin suffused with dull light green ; a broad median band indistinctly suffused with dark fuscous, in female hardly perceptibly, the lines forming its posterior edge bent in middle into a rather strong indented projection ; in male an indistinct dark fuscous subterminal suffusion ; an indistinct dark fuscous discal dot. Hindwings moderate, hindmargin rounded, dentate ; ochreous- whitish ; some irregular incomplete dark fuscous lines towards inner margin ; a dark fuscous hindmarginal line. [3] {

Hudson described the species as follows:

The expansion of the wings is rather under 1+1⁄2 inches. The forewings are dull yellowish-brown, with many obscure, wavy, transverse, brown lines, which tend to form two ill-defined bands, one rather narrow near the base and the other much broader near the middle of the wing. The hind-wings are very pale yellowish-brown; there are a few obscure dark lines near the dorsum. The veins are distinctly dotted in black, and the outline of all the wings is deeply scalloped. [6]

A. prionota is likely variable in appearance. [3] [7] This species has been confused with Austrocidaria cedrinodes as the two species are similar in appearance. However they can be distinguished from each other as A. prionota has a complete lack of antennal pectinations. [7]

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand, [1] [11] and occurs in the South Island. It has been collected at Gouland Downs in the Kahurangi National Park, as well as at Castle Hill in Christchurch and in Dunedin. [7] It is regarded as not common and difficulty has been had sourcing specimens good enough for the addition of this species into a photographic database. [12]

Biology and behaviour

The larvae of A. prionota have been recorded feeding on Myrsine divaricata as well as on species of Coprosma . [10] [13] This species is on wing in January and October. [6] [13] The adult moth is regarded as being a medium flyer with the ability to remain active in light breezes. [13] Adult moths are nocturnal and are attracted to light and have been collected via Robinson light trapping. [13]

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>Austrocidaria parora</i> Species of moth

Austrocidaria parora is a species of moth of the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.

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

Austrocidaria similata is a species of moth of the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found throughout the country including on off shore and sub Antarctic Islands. This species inhabits native forest and shrubland. Eggs are while in appearance and oval in shape and take approximately three weeks to mature. Larvae mimic the appearance of a moss covered twig and feed on Coprosma species. It has been hypothesised that this species overwinters as larvae. The larvae pupate on the ground with the pupa being enclosed in a thin cocoon made up of silk and refuse. Adults are on the wing all year but are most commonly observed from October until March. Adults are nocturnal and are attracted to light. During the day they can be observed resting on tree trunks where its forewing colouration provides camouflage protection from predators.

<i>Glaucocharis chrysochyta</i> Species of moth

Glaucocharis chrysochyta is a species of moth in the family Crambidae. This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1882. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found throughout the country. It inhabits native forest. Larvae appear to feed on moss and likely pupate there. Adult moths are on the wing from November to March. They fly at night and are attracted to light.

<i>Heterocrossa epomiana</i> Species of moth

Heterocrossa epomiana is a species moth in the family Carposinidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in Westland. Adults are on the wing in January. This species is visually very similar to H. gonosemana and to H. philpotti.

<i>Amblyptilia heliastis</i> Species of plume moth

Amblyptilia heliastis is a moth of the family Pterophoridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1885. The larvae of this species feed on Veronica species. The adults of this species are on the wing from October to February and can often be found amongst subalpine Veronica species.

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

Gadira leucophthalma, the beaked moss moth, is a moth in the family Crambidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in the south eastern side of the South Island down to Banks Peninsula. G. leucophthalma inhabits the foredunes of coastal areas. The larval host is unknown but it has been hypothesised that the larvae feed on moss. The adult moths are day flying although some specimens have been trapped at night via light traps. Adults are commonly on the wing from March to April. This species has been classified as Nationally Vulnerable 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>Austrocidaria lithurga</i> Species of moth

Austrocidaria lithurga is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This moth is classified as at risk, naturally uncommon by the Department of Conservation.

<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>Notoreas mechanitis</i> Species of moth

Notoreas mechanitis is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.

<i>Notoreas niphocrena</i> Species of moth

Notoreas niphocrena is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.

<i>Notoreas paradelpha</i> Species of moth

Notoreas paradelpha is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.

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

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

Austrocidaria cedrinodes is a species of moth of the family Geometridae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1911. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the North, South and Stewart Islands. Although widespread across the country A. cedrinodes is regarded as being a scarce species. It inhabits open native scrubland populated with species of Leptospermum, Dracophyllum as well as species in the genus Coprosma. This latter genus contains the larval host plants of A. cedrinodes. Adults are on the wing commonly from September until February and are nocturnal and attracted to light.

<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 Gordon, Dennis P., ed. (2010). New Zealand Inventory of Biodiversity. Volume two. Kingdom Animalia: Chaetognatha, Ecdysozoa, Ichnofossils. Vol. 2. Christchurch, N.Z.: Canterbury University Press. p. 459. ISBN   9781877257933. OCLC   973607714.
  2. ↑ Meyrick, Edward (1883). "Monograph of New Zealand Geometrina [abstract]". New Zealand Journal of Science. 1: 526–531 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  3. 1 2 3 Meyrick, Edward (May 1884). "A monograph of the New Zealand Geometrina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 16: 49–113 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  4. ↑ Meyrick, Edward (May 1886). "Notes on Nomenclature of New Zealand Geometrina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 18: 184 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  5. ↑ Meyrick, Edward (1917). "Revision of New Zealand Notodontina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 49: 248–273 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  6. 1 2 3 Hudson, G. V. (1898). New Zealand Moths and Butterflies (Macro-lepidoptera). London: West, Newman & Co. p. 47. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.32466 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Hudson, G. V. (1928). The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. Wellington: Ferguson & Osborn Ltd. p. 102.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  8. ↑ Prout, L. B. (1939). "Geometridae: Fauna Indo-Australica". The Macrolepidoptera of the World. 12: 290 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  9. 1 2 Dugdale, J. S. (1971). "Entomology of the Aucklands and other islands south of New Zealand: Lepidoptera, excluding non-crambine Pyralidae". Pacific Insects Monographs. 27: 55–172 – via BUGZ.
  10. 1 2 3 Dugdale, J. S. (1988). "Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 14: 176. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 January 2019. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
  11. ↑ "Austrocidaria prionota (Meyrick, 1883)". New Zealand Organisms Register. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
  12. ↑ Hoare, R.J.B.; Rhode, B.E.; Emmerson, A.W. (2011). "Larger moths of New Zealand: Image gallery and online guide". Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. Archived from the original on 2013-02-18. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
  13. 1 2 3 4 White, E. G. (1991). "The changing abundance of Moths in a Tussock grassland, 1962-1989, and 50- to 70-year trends" (PDF). New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 15: 5–22.
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