Hierodoris frigida

Last updated

Hierodoris frigida
Taoscelis crocostoma Holotype.jpg
Holotype specimen
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Oecophoridae
Genus: Hierodoris
Species:
H. frigida
Binomial name
Hierodoris frigida
Philpott, 1923 [1]
Synonyms [1]
  • Taoscelis crocostomaMeyrick, 1938

Hierodoris frigida is a moth of the family Oecophoridae. [1] It is endemic to New Zealand and is only found in the South Island. This species is found in two parts of that island, the Nelson/Tasman area and the Mackenzie, Otago and Dunedin areas in the southern part of the island. Although similar to H. iophanes this species can be distinguished as H. frigida has white bands on its forewings and the metallic coloured areas differ in placement. Segment 2 on the labial palp is entirely yellow and enables this species to be distinguished from the similar appearing species H. polita and H. torrida. Larvae have been collected amongst leaf litter from beneath species within the genus Thymus . It prefers open and shrubland habitats and adult moths have been observed flying close to the soil underneath Leptospermum scrub.

Contents

Taxonomy

This species was described by Alfred Philpott in 1923 using specimens collected by Philpott in January on Dun Mountain in Nelson at around 3000 ft. [2] In 1988 J. S. Dugdale synonymised Taoscelis crocostoma with H. frigida. [3] This synonym was confirmed by Robert Hoare in 2005. [1] The male holotype specimen of H. frigida is held in the New Zealand Arthropod Collection. [1]

Description

Hierodoris frigida by G. Hudson Fig 16 MA I437910 TePapa Plate-XLIX-The-butterflies full (cropped).jpg
Hierodoris frigida by G. Hudson

Philpott described this species as follows:

♂♀ 11–13 mm. Head and thorax dark fuscous with violet and purplish metallic reflections. Palpi yellow, terminal segment infuscated. Antennae black with grey pubescence. Abdomen fuscous-black densely irrorated with shining golden scales, segmental divisions grey, anal tuft fuscous mixed with greyish-white. Legs dark fuscous, tibiae and tarsi annulated with yellowish-white. Forewings moderate, costa slightly arched, apex obtuse, termen slightly rounded, little oblique; dark fuscous mixed with black; a broad band of scattered white scales from costa at 1⁄5 to dorsum at 1⁄3; an irregular white spot on costa at 2⁄3; three irregular violet-purple spots, first and second beneath costa before and beyond white costal spot, third below second, sometimes coalescing with it; a broad subterminal band of scattered white scales, frequently occupying the whole of the space beyond metallic spots: cilia fuscous. Hindwings dark fuscous: cilia pale fuscous with dark basal line. [2]

Although similar to H. iophanes this species can be distinguished as H. frigida has white bands on its forewings and the metallic coloured areas differ in placement. [2] Segment 2 on the labial palp is entirely yellow and ensures that this species can be distinguished from the similar appearing species H. polita and H. torrida. [1]

Distribution

Dun Mountain, type locality of H. frigida. Dun Mountain, Bryant Range, New Zealand.jpg
Dun Mountain, type locality of H. frigida.

This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found only in the South Island. [4] [1] It appears to have populations in two areas, the first being the Nelson/Tasman districts, and the second being south Canterbury south including the Mackenzie, central Otago and Dunedin areas. [1]

Behaviour

This species is on the wing during the day and has been observed flying close to the soil underneath Leptospermum scrub. [2]

Hosts and habitats

The larvae have been collected amongst leaf litter from beneath invasive species within the genus Thymus . [1] This species prefers open and shrubland habitats. [1] [5] It is also present at the Conroys Road Inland Saline Wetland Complex. [6] [7]

Related Research Articles

<i>Hierodoris atychioides</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Hierodoris atychioides is a moth of the family Oecophoridae. It was described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1877. The female holotype specimen held at the Natural History Museum, London. This species is endemic to New Zealand, and can be found in the North, South and Stewart Islands. The larvae form webs of silk attached to frass and leaves on their hosts in which they shelter, often in the company of other larvae in their species. Their feeding habits have not been observed in detail but Hoare hypothesises the larvae may feed on dead or dying leaves. The larvae feed on a wide range of trees and shrubs, including Dacrydium cupressinum, Prumnopitys taxifolia, Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, Libocedrus bidwillii, Cupressus macrocarpa, Leptospermum scoparium, Kunzea ericoides, Ozothamnus leptophyllus, Abies, Picea, Pinus and Thuja species. Although they are regarded as a pest of exotic forests in New Zealand, the economic damage the larvae cause is minimal and they tend to be controlled only by their natural enemies. Larval enemies include the parasitic flies Trigonospila brevifacies and Pales funesta as well as parasitic wasps including Xanthopimpla rhopaloceros. The adult moths are day flying and are most common during the months of December and January. This species is variable in appearance as larvae, pupa and as adults, and it has been hypothesised that it is in the process of speciation.

<i>Hierodoris illita</i> Species of moth

Hierodoris illita is a moth of the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in both the North and South Islands. However this species has not been recorded at Stewart Island / Rakiura.

<i>Hierodoris electrica</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Hierodoris electrica is a moth of the family Oecophoridae. It was described by Edward Meyrick in 1889. It is endemic to New Zealand, where it has been reported from the northern and southern parts of the South Island. The larva of H. electrica has yet to be described. The wingspan is between 15 and 16.5 mm. The ground colour of the forewings is dark brown, with narrow yellow scales overlaying this base colour. The hindwings are brown. The known larval host species is Olearia nummulariifolia.

<i>Hierodoris</i> Genus of moths

Hierodoris is a genus of moths in the family Oecophoridae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1912. This genus is only known from New Zealand. In 1988 the genus Taoscelis was synonymised with Hierodoris. In 2005 the genus Coridomorpha was synonymised with Hierodoris.

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

Hierodoris iophanes is a moth of the family Oecophoridae. It was described by Edward Meyrick in 1912. This species can be distinguished from others in its genus by the purple metallic colouration as well as the blue-white mark on its forewings. It is endemic to New Zealand, where it has been recorded from Auckland to Southland. This species inhabits native forest or scrub, with the adults preferring open glades. They are known to be on the wing from November until February and fly during daylight hours, being active on hot sunny days. Larvae feed on the interior of twigs of Prumnopitys ferruginea. The twigs had evidence of oviposition scars of cicadas and the larvae were collected in October after reddish-brown frass indicated their location within the twigs.

Hierodoris torrida is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in the southern parts of the North Island, in Rangitikei and Wellington, and in the east of the South Island, in the Marlborough Sounds, Kaikōura, Mid and South Canterbury. The larvae of this species is unknown as is much of the biology of this species and its larval hosts. The adult moth prefers lowland forest habitat. It is classified as "At Risk, Relict'" by the Department of Conservation.

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

Hierodoris polita is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found only in the Central Otago region and in the Dunedin area. As at 2005 the larvae have yet to be identified. However it is possible that a specimen may have been collected in leaf litter thus leading to the hypothesis that the species may be a detritivore. The adults of this species prefer open habitat and have mainly been collected on south-facing rocky bluffs. The adult moths are on the wing in October, November and January to March. This species is classified as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation.

<i>Hierodoris callispora</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Hierodoris callispora is a moth of the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found throughout the country from south of the Bay of Plenty. This species inhabits native beech forest. Adults of the species have been found where Muehlenbeckia is common. Adults have also been collected from the flowers of Kunzea ericoides. However the larval host is unconfirmed although it has been hypothesised that larvae of this species feed on Kunzea ericoides flowers. Adults of this species can be distinguished by its orange ruff that contrasts with its dark head and thorax. There is a colour form that exists that has orange scales and an orange coloured fringe on the hindwing. Adults have been collected in December and January and are day flying but are also attracted to light at night. A female specimen has been found with a larva in her oviduct suggesting that this species may give birth to larval young.

<i>Hierodoris eremita</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Hierodoris eremita is a moth of the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and found in the areas around Aoraki / Mount Cook and Westland Tai Poutini National Park areas. This species inhabits alpine herbfields at altitudes of around 900–1400 m. Larvae are said to have been reared on the leaves of plants in the Celmisia genus. Pupation happens on the host plant. The adults of this species is on the wing between December and June. This species is day flying.

<i>Hierodoris squamea</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Hierodoris squamea is a moth of the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the mountains of Fiordland as well as the Olivine Range in south Westland. This species has a wingspan of between 12 and 13 mm and can be distinguished from similar species as it is very small in size, has a reduced eyespot on its forewings, clearly visible through Scanning Electron Microscope preparations, and has orange-yellow scales overlaying its dark forewing. It prefers open country of tussock grasslands and herbfields at high altitudes. As at 2005 the larvae is unknown. Adults are on the wing in January.

<i>Hierodoris insignis</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Hierodoris insignis is a species of moth in the family Gelechiidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been found in the Nelson/Tasman districts. The larvae are leaf miners and are hosted by Celmisia species. Adults are on the wing in January. It is likely that this species belongs to another genus and as such this species is also known as Hierodoris (s.l.) insignis or 'Hierodoris' insignis.

<i>Hierodoris stellata</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Hierodoris stellata is a species of moth in the family Plutellidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in Fiordland and Dunedin. This species has been found in coastal native forest. Larvae feed on Astelia flower-spikes and adults are on the wing in late December and January. It has been stated that this species belongs to the genus Charixena however this placement has yet to be published. As such this species is currently known as Hierodoris (s.l.) stellata or 'Hierodoris'stellata.

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

Tingena grata is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been found in the South Island. The adults of this species are on the wing from November to January.

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

Tingena laudata is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in Fiordland and Otago. Adults of this species are on the wing in January.

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

Tingena opaca is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the southern parts of the South Island. Adults of this species are on the wing in December.

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

Tingena robiginosa is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the southern parts of the South Island. It has been observed in subalpine habitats at altitudes of between 2700 and 3500 ft amongst Hebe and Cassinia species. The adults of this species are on the wing in December and January.

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

Tingena terrena is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in Otago. The adults of this species are on the wing in December.

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

Tingena vestita is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been collected in Fiordland. The adults of this species are on the wing in January.

<i>Dasyuris fulminea</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Dasyuris fulminea is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It was first described by Alfred Philpott and is endemic to New Zealand. It has been observed in the regions of the West Coast, Fiordland and Otago. Adults are day flying and are on the wing from December until February.

<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.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Robert J. B. Hoare (24 December 2005). "Hierodoris (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Oecophoridae), and overview of Oecophoridae" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. 54: 32–33. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.54. ISSN   0111-5383. OCLC   946510444. Wikidata   Q44994400. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 February 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Alfred Philpott (14 December 1923), Notes and descriptions of New Zealand Lepidoptera, vol. 54, p. 153, Wikidata   Q109354500
  3. ↑ John Stewart Dugdale (23 September 1988). "Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa". Fauna of New Zealand. Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. 14: 89. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.14. ISSN   0111-5383. Wikidata   Q45083134.
  4. ↑ "Hierodoris frigida Philpott, 1923". www.nzor.org.nz. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
  5. ↑ "Crown Pastoral Land Tenure Review. Obelisk Station PO 264 Conservation Resources Report - Part 4" (PDF). www.linz.govt.nz. December 2010. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  6. ↑ "Conroys Road Inland Saline Wetland Complex". www.orc.govt.nz. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
  7. ↑ R.B. Allen; P.D. McIntosh (May 1997). Guidelines for conservation of salt pans in Central Otago (PDF). pp. 1–45. ISBN   0-478-01897-5. ISSN   1173-2946. Wikidata   Q109564331. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 January 2019.{{cite book}}: |journal= ignored (help)
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.