Glaucocharis lepidella

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Glaucocharis lepidella
Glaucocharis lepidella female.jpg
Glaucocharis lepidella male.jpg
Female (top) and male (bottom)
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Crambidae
Subfamily: Crambinae
Tribe: Diptychophorini
Genus: Glaucocharis
Species:
G. lepidella
Binomial name
Glaucocharis lepidella
(Walker, 1866) [1]
Synonyms [2]
  • Eromene lepidella Walker, 1866
  • Crambus gracilis C. Felder, R. Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875
  • Diptychophora lepidella(Walker, 1866)
  • Pareromene lepidella(Walker, 1886)

Glaucocharis lepidella is a species of moth in the family Crambidae. [1] It was described by Francis Walker in 1866. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in both the North and South Island. The species inhabits lowland to subalpine native forest. Larvae may feed on mosses. Adults are on the wing from November to February and are attracted to light.

Contents

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Francis Walker in 1866 using a specimen collected by T. R. Oxley in Nelson and named Eromene lepidella. [3] [2] In 1875 Cajetan von Felder, Rudolf Felder and Alois Friedrich Rogenhofer, thinking they were describing a new species, named it Crambus gracilis. [4] In 1882 Edward Meyrick placed this species in the genus Diptychophora. [5] In 1883 Meyrick gave a more detailed description of the specie and synonymised Crambus gracilis into D. lepidella. [6] George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species under this name in his 1928 book The butterflies and moths of New Zealand. [7] In 1929 Alfred Philpott described the genitalia of the male of this species. [8] In 1971 David E. Gaskin placed this species in the genus Pareromene. [9] In 1985 Gaskin again discussed this species and placed it in the genus Glaucocharis. [10] The male lectotype is held at the Natural History Museum, London. [2]

Description

Living specimen. Glaucocharis lepidella 252225551.jpg
Living specimen.

Meyrick described this species as follows:

Male, female. — 19+1⁄2-20+1⁄2 mm. Head, antennae and thorax pale ochreous. Palpi dark fuscous, at base white beneath. Abdomen whitish-grey-ochreous. Legs whitish-ochreous. Forewings triangular, broad, costa slightly arched, apex rounded, hindmargin oblique, sinuations moderate ; pale yellowish-ochreous ; costa somewhat suffused with brownish towards base ; a very slender sometimes indistinct dark fuscous transverse line from costa at 1⁄3 to inner margin before middle, costal third straight, outwardly oblique, thence irregular, rather strongly bent inwards a little above inner margin ; a small longitudinally-placed semicircular silvery-white spot in disc beyond middle, its anterior angle shortly and narrowly produced upwards ; a short linear dark fuscous mark along middle of costa ; a very slender sometimes indistinct dark fuscous transverse line from costa at 4⁄5 to inner margin at 4⁄5, suddenly bent outwards beneath costa, thence moderately outwards-curved, lower third sinuate ; sometimes a triangular brown patch on costa immediately beyond first transverse line, extending suffusedly to beneath discal spot ; a small suffused brown spot on costa a little beyond second transverse line, sometimes giving rise to a brown suffusion extending to beneath discal spot where it meets the first suffusion, but both these are sometimes wholly obsolete ; three short linear longitudinal leaden-metallic streaks crossing second transverse line above middle, and three very short similar streaks below middle ; a dark fuscous hindmarginal line ; three small roundish black spots close together on hindmargin below middle : cilia shining grey, with a dark metallic-grey basal line.. Hindwings fuscous-grey, with an indistinct darker posterior line, and a dark fuscous hindmarginal line ; cilia grey with a faint darker line. [6]

Hudson stated that this species shows considerable variation in the shape and extent of the cloudy patches on its forewings but that the white crescent shaped discal spot is distinctive. [7] Meyrick stated that the discal spot is similar to that found in G. leucoxantha but that G. lepidella could be distinguished from this species as G. lepidella has a duller ground colour and grey hindwings. [6] Meyrick also pointed out that the discal spot helps distinguish G. lepidella from G. auriscriptella as does the larger size of G. lepidella in comparison to that species. [6]

Robert Hoare has stated that

The bright yellow to golden-orange forewing with its crescent-shaped silver spot is characteristic of the species. [11]

Distribution

G. lepidella is endemic to New Zealand and can be found throughout the North and South Islands. [12] [11]

Habitat and hosts

This species inhabits lowland to subalpine native forest. [9] Hudson stated that he came across the species amongst low growing bushes including hebes. [7] It has been hypothesised that the larvae of this species feed on moss. [11]

Behaviour

Adults are on the wing from November to February. [9] [11] The adult moths are attracted to light. [6]

Related Research Articles

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

Glaucocharis auriscriptella, also known as the yellow silverling or silver marked yellow, is a moth in the family Crambidae. It was first described by Francis Walker in 1864 and is endemic to New Zealand. This species can be found in the North, South, Stewart and Great Barrier Islands. The preferred habitat of this moth is lowland and subalpine native forest as well as wetlands. The larvae feed on moss. The adult moth is day flying and is on the wing from November to February. It can be observed in colonies and can be attracted to light at night. This species likely has only one generation per year.

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

Glaucocharis epiphaea is a species of moth in the family Crambidae. It was described by Edward Meyrick in 1885. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in both the North and South Islands. G. epiphaea prefers mountainous habitat and frequents very damp spots including alpine and subalpine moss bogs. Larvae feed on the moss Dawsonia superba. Adults are on the wing from September until March and are diurnal.

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

Glaucocharis harmonica is a moth in the family Crambidae. This species was described by Edward Meyrick in 1888. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North and South Islands. It inhabits lowland to subalpine native forest. It has been hypothesised that there are two broods per year. The larval hosts are unknown. Adults are on the wing from October until January.

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

Glaucocharis helioctypa is a moth in the family Crambidae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1882. It is endemic to New Zealand and is only found in the South Island. It can be found throughout the South Island and inhabits native forest in lowland to subalpine altitudes. It has an affinity for damp grassy open situations near native forest or scrub. Larvae of Glaucocharis species feed on mosses and liverworts. Adults are on the wing from November until February. It is dayflying and has been observed flying low over cushion bogs and moss fields. Adults have also been observed flying actively in the hottest sunshine.

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

Glaucocharis holanthes is a moth of the family Crambidae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1885. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North and South Islands. This species inhabits native forest or scrub and frequents rock-faces where moss grows. It is apparently attached to places having an exceptionally heavy rainfall. Larvae of Glaucocharis species feed on mosses and liverworts. Adults are on the wing from November to February. It flies very rapidly in hot sunshine and is an elusive insect to catch.

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

Glaucocharis leucoxantha is a moth in the family Crambidae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1882. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in the North, South and Stewart Islands. This species inhabits native forest. Hudson states this species can be met with in South Island native beech forests at elevations of from 1,500 to 2,500 feet above the sea-level. Larvae of Glaucocharis species feed on mosses and liverworts. Adults are on the wing from November until February. This species is very variable in colouration and can be confused with G. lepidella. However it is smaller in size and the crescent shaped spot on its forewings is white or yellow rather than the silver of G. lepidella.

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

Glaucocharis microdora is a moth of the family Crambidae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1905. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the southern parts of the North Island and the north and central parts of the South Island. It inhabits native forest at lowland to subalpine altitudes. The larvae of this species feeds on moss and adults are on the wing from November until February. It is similar in appearance to G. pyrsophanes but can be distinguished as G. microdora is of a smaller size and has bright yellow markings. It also lacks the broad white bars on forewings of G. pyrophanes.

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

Glaucocharis parorma is a moth of the family Crambidae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1924. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North Island. This species inhabits native forest from lowland to subalpine altitudes. Larvae of Glaucocharis species feed on mosses and liverworts. Adults are on the wing from October to February. This species is very similar in appearance to G. elaina but can be distinguished as a result of the black terminal dots on its forewings.

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

Glaucocharis planetopa is a moth of the family Crambidae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1923. It is endemic to New Zealand and has only be observed on the South Island. G. planetopa inhabits native forest. Larvae of Glaucocharis species feed on mosses and liverworts. Adults are on the wing in January and February. As at 1971 the female of this species had yet to be collected.

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

Glaucocharis pyrsophanes is a moth in the family Crambidae. It was described by Edward Meyrick in 1882. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found throughout the country including the North, South and Stewart Islands. It inhabits native forest from lowland and subalpine altitudes. It is said to be common in sunny but damp forest openings. Larvae of Glaucocharis species feed on mosses and liverworts. Adults are on the wing from October until February. They are known to feed from and pollinate Leptospermum scoparium and Helichrysum selago.

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

Glaucocharis stella is a species of moth in the family Crambidae. This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1938. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the North Island. Meyrick hypothesised that larvae of G. stella feed on moss. Adults are on the wing in October and November. The colouration of the forewings ensure that when resting with closed wings on rocks adults are highly camouflaged.

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

Tingena ancogramma is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been found in the Hen and Chicken Islands, the North Island and the South Island. Adults are on the wing in summer and autumn and inhabit open areas of forest scrubland.

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

Tingena hemimochla is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the North Island. Adults of this species are on the wing from December until March.

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

Tingena oxyina is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the Otago region. This species inhabits native beech forest at altitudes of between 1000 – 3000 ft. Adults of this species are on the wing in January.

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

Chalastra aristarcha, the silver fern moth, is a moth of the family Geometridae. This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1892. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North Island. This species inhabits dense native forest. The larvae feed on the species host plant, the Silver fern, during spring. This species then pupates on top of leaf litter or moss on the ground. The pupation state lasts for approximately 6 weeks. Adult moths are on the wing from October until April but can sometimes also be seen during the winter months. Adults can be disturbed from silver ferns during the day or are seen on the wing at night particularly at Metrosideros perforata when in flower. Adults are attracted to light. It has been hypothesised that the range of C. aristarcha has restricted as a result of urban development and land conversion of its habitat.

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

Trachypepla aspidephora is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the North and South Islands. Adults are on the wing from November to March and are attracted to light. The moths can be found resting on tree trunks where their colouration imitates lichens.

<i>Atomotricha exsomnis</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Atomotricha exsomnis is a moth in the family Oecophoridae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1913. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in both the North and South Islands. Adults are on the wing from November until January.

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

Trachypepla photinella is a moth of the family Oecophoridae first described by Edward Meyrick in 1883. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been collected in Wellington, Wainuiomata, D'Urville Island and Christchurch. The preferred habitat of this species is native forest and adults are on the wing from December until February.

References

  1. 1 2 Gordon, Dennis P., ed. (2010). New Zealand inventory of biodiversity: Kingdom animalia: chaetognatha, ecdysozoa, ichnofossils. Vol. 2. p. 457. ISBN   978-1-877257-93-3. OCLC   973607714. OL   25288394M. Wikidata   Q45922947.
  2. 1 2 3 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: 145. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.14. ISSN   0111-5383. Wikidata   Q45083134.
  3. ↑ Francis Walker (1866), List of the specimens of lepidopterous insects in the collection of the British Museum. Part XXXV. - supplement, part 5., London, p. 1761, Wikidata   Q115099201 {{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  4. ↑ Felder, Baron Cajetan von; Felder, R; Rogenhofer, Alois Friedrich (1875). "Atlas". Reise der österreichischen Fregatte Novara um die Erde. pt.9:Bd.2:Abt.2 (1864-1867) Atlas: pl. cxxxvii fig. 26 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  5. ↑ Edward Meyrick (June 1882). "Descriptions of New Zealand Micro-Lepidoptera (I.)". New Zealand Journal of Science. 1: 186. Wikidata   Q115108516.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Edward Meyrick (May 1883). "Descriptions of New Zealand Microlepidoptera. I and II. Crambidae and Tortricina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 15: 14–15. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q111013914.
  7. 1 2 3 Hudson, G. V. (1928), The butterflies and moths of New Zealand, Illustrator: George Hudson, Wellington: Ferguson and Osborn Limited, p. 174, LCCN   88133764, OCLC   25449322, Wikidata   Q58593286
  8. ↑ Alfred Philpott (1929). "The male genitalia of the New Zealand Crambidae". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 60 (3): 491–514. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q124044081.
  9. 1 2 3 David Edward Gaskin (1971). "A revision of New Zealand Diptychophorini (Lepidoptera; Pyralidae; Crambinae)". New Zealand Journal of Science. 14: 793–795. ISSN   0028-8365. Wikidata   Q110236267.
  10. ↑ David E. Gaskin (20 December 1985). "Morphology and reclassification of the Australasian, Melanesian and Polynesian Glaucocharis Meyrick (Lepidoptera : Crambinae : Diptychophorini)". Australian Journal of Zoology. Supplementary Series. 33 (115): 1. doi:10.1071/AJZS115. ISSN   0310-9089. Wikidata   Q54618937.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Robert Hoare (2014). A Photographic Guide to Moths & Butterflies of New Zealand. Illustrator: Olivier Jean-Philippe Ball. p. 71. ISBN   978-1-86966-399-5. Wikidata   Q59396160.
  12. ↑ "Glaucocharis lepidella (Walker, 1866)". www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
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