Hydriomena arida

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Hydriomena arida
Hydriomena arida female.jpg
Female
Hydriomena arida male.jpg
Male
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Geometridae
Genus: Hydriomena
Species:
H. arida
Binomial name
Hydriomena arida
(Butler, 1879) [1]
Synonyms [2]
  • Melanthia aridaButler, 1879
  • Cidaria chaoticaMeyrick, 1883
  • Cidaria arida(Butler, 1879)

Hydriomena arida, also known as the Gunnera carpet moth, [3] is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. [1] It was first described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1879. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in both the South and Stewart Islands where it inhabits native forest. It has been observed at up to 3000 ft. Larvae feed on Gunnera monoica . Adults of this species are on the wing from December until February and are nocturnal and attracted to light. This species is regarded as being uncommon.

Contents

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1879 using specimens collected by Frederick Wollaston Hutton in Dunedin and named Melanthia arida. [4] [2] In 1883 Edward Meyrick, thinking he was describing a new species, named this species as Cidaria chaotica. [5] [6] Meyrick synonymised this name into Cidaria arida in 1884. [7] [8] George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species under the name Hydriomena arida in both his 1898 book New Zealand moths and butterflies (Macro-lepidoptera) and his 1928 book The butterflies and moths of New Zealand. [9] [10] It has been hypothesised that species belongs to another genus and so this species is also currently known as Hydriomena (s.l.) arida. [11] In 1971 John S. Dugdale suggested this species may fall within the genus Cephalissa but in 1988 kept the current placement of this species. [12] [2] The male holotype specimen is held at the Natural History Museum, London. [2]

Description

Illustration of H. arida. Fig 33 MA I437611 TePapa Plate-XII-The-butterflies full (cropped).jpg
Illustration of H. arida.

Hudson described this species as follows:

The expansion of the wings is 1+1⁄8 inches. The fore-wings are dark blackish-grey; there are two small cream-coloured patches on the costa at 1⁄3 and 2⁄3 continued across the wing as two curved series of small cream-coloured spots; there is a subterminal series of whitish dots. In most specimens there is a very broad paler brown median band with a rounded projection below the middle almost touching the termen; this band is traversed by numerous fine wavy dark brown transverse lines and contains a conspicuous discal dot. The hind-wings are very pale brownish-grey or creamy-grey; all the cilia are nearly black. [10]

This species is variable in appearance. Hudson goes on to say that this species can be distinguished from similar appearing species as its forewings are very darkly coloured but have a broad often paler median band. [10]

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. [11] This species occurs in the South and Stewart Islands. [10] [13] A specimen has also been collected from Arapawa Island in the Marlborough Sounds in July. [14] This species is regarded as being rare. In 1988 it was reported as being locally extinct in Dunedin. [2] However in February 2022 a specimen was observed in Port Chalmers. [15]

Habitat and hosts

Larval host Gunnera monoica. Gunnera monoica 382736748.jpg
Larval host Gunnera monoica.

This species inhabits native forest and has been found at altitudes of between 1500 and 3000 ft. [10] The larval host of this species is Gunnera monoica . [3] [16]

Behaviour

The adults of this species are on the wing most commonly from October until February and attracted to light. [3] [13]

Related Research Articles

<i>Asaphodes</i> Genus of moths

Asaphodes is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae erected by Edward Meyrick in 1885. This genus is endemic to New Zealand and species within this genus are found throughout New Zealand including the North, South and Stewart / Rakiura Islands.

<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 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>Pasiphila charybdis</i> Species of moth

Pasiphila charybdis is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.

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

Asaphodes abrogata is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found from the central North Island as well as the South Island. This species is inhabits open country at altitudes of between 2000 and 4000 ft. Larvae have been reared on Plantago species including Plantago coronopus. It has been recommended that Plantago raoulii be planted to attracted this species. Adults are on the wing in February and March.

<i>Arctesthes catapyrrha</i> Species of moth

Arctesthes catapyrrha is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.

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

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. It can be distinguished from its close relative Asaphodes adonis by the colour of its hind wings. 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 from October to March and are said to be attracted to white rātā. The white markings on the forewing of the adults are variable in appearance.

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

Asaphodes cataphracta is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the South Island. This species prefers grassy or tussock covered mountain side slopes as habitat. The adults of this species are on the wing from December until March. The larvae of A. cataphracta is known to consume native mountain buttercups (Ranunculaceae).

<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 November to April and are regarded as having intermedia flight powers.

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

Asaphodes clarata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been found on the North and South Islands. The species inhabits open grassy areas, including tussock grasslands, in montane habitat. The larvae feed on the leaves of Ranunculus species. The adult moths are day flying and are on the wing from December to February and have been shown to pollinate Celmisia laricifolia and Hebe pinguifolia.

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

Chalastra pellurgata, also known as the brown fern moth or the pale fern looper, is a moth of the family Geometridae. This species was first described by Francis Walker in 1862. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found throughout the country. It inhabits native forest. This species is extremely variable both in its larval and adult life stage. Larvae of this species are active during spring and summer. They feed on the fronds of fern species. C. pellurgata pupates by forming a thin cocoon on the soil amongst leaf litter and moss. Adults are on the wing throughout the year but are most common from September to March. During the day adult moths can be observed resting on dead fern fronds. They become active from dusk and are attracted to light.

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

Austrocidaria callichlora, also known as the green Coprosma carpet moth, is a species of moth of the family Geometridae. It endemic to New Zealand. This species is found in both the North and South Islands where it inhabits native shrubland and forest as well as tussock. Larvae feed on Coprosma species.

<i>Dichromodes gypsotis</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Dichromodes gypsotis is a moth of the family Geometridae. This species was described by Edward Meyrick in 1888. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the lower half of the South Island. The species inhabits open rocky sites. The larvae of D. gypsotis feed on lichen. The adults are day flying and are on the wing from October to January.

<i>Epiphryne xanthaspis</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Epiphryne xanthaspis, also known as the Aristotelia Looper, is a moth in the family Geometridae. This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1883. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found from the central North Island southward to the bottom of the South Island. The preferred habitat of this species is sub-alpine native forest. The larval hosts of E. xanthaspis are plants in the genus Aristotelia and include Aristotelia fruticosa. Adults are on the wing from December until March.

<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.

<i>Horisme suppressaria</i> Species of moth

Horisme suppressaria is a moth of the family Geometridae. This species was first described by Francis Walker. Currently the taxonomy of this species is uncertain and as a result this species is also known as Horisme (s.l.) suppressaria. The species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in both the North and South Islands. The larval hosts of H. suppressaria are species in the genus Corokia including Corokia cotoneaster.

References

  1. 1 2 "Hydriomena arida (Butler, 1879)". www.nzor.org.nz. Retrieved 2022-04-27.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 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: 182–183. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.14. ISSN   0111-5383. Wikidata   Q45083134.
  3. 1 2 3 Andrew Crowe (2002), Which New Zealand Insect?, Auckland: Penguin Books, p. 23, Wikidata   Q120878300
  4. ↑ Arthur Gardiner Butler (1879). "On a small collection of Heterocerous Lepidoptera, from New Zealand". Cistula entomologica. 2: 505. Wikidata   Q104215588.
  5. ↑ Edward Meyrick (September 1883). "Monograph of New Zealand Geometrina". New Zealand Journal of Science. 1: 528. Wikidata   Q110691894.
  6. ↑ Edward Meyrick (May 1884). "A Monograph of the New Zealand Geometrina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 16: 76–77. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q109615359.
  7. ↑ Edward Meyrick (1884). "Supplement to a monograph of the New Zealand Geometrina". New Zealand Journal of Science. 2: 234. Wikidata   Q115203351.
  8. ↑ Edward Meyrick (1885). "Supplement to a monograph of the New Zealand Geometrina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 17: 64. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q111032066.
  9. ↑ George Vernon Hudson (1898), New Zealand moths and butterflies (Macro-lepidoptera) , Illustrator: George Hudson, London, pp. 50–51, doi:10.5962/BHL.TITLE.7912, OCLC   980865393, Wikidata   Q19073637 {{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 Hudson, G. V. (1928), The butterflies and moths of New Zealand, Illustrator: George Hudson, Wellington: Ferguson and Osborn Limited, p. 100, LCCN   88133764, OCLC   25449322, Wikidata   Q58593286 PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  11. 1 2 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.
  12. ↑ 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: 27. ISSN   0078-7515. Wikidata   Q64006453.
  13. 1 2 George Howes (1913). "Notes on the entomology of Stewart Island". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 46: 99. ISSN   1176-6158. Wikidata   Q131531139.
  14. ↑ D. E. Gaskin; M. W. Cawthorn (1964). "Lepidoptera recorded from Arapawa Island, Marlborough Sounds, during 1963-64". Records of the Dominion Museum. 5 (2): 4. ISSN   0373-7233. Wikidata   Q131531278.
  15. ↑ Nikkel, Luca (2022-02-26). "Gunnera Carpet (Hydriomena arida)". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
  16. ↑ B. H. Patrick (March 1988). "Ecological studies of a marine terrace sequence in the Waitutu Ecological District of southern New Zealand. Part 4: Insecta: Lepidoptera and Coleoptera". Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 18 (1): 87. doi:10.1080/03036758.1988.10421695. ISSN   0303-6758. Wikidata   Q54743554.
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