Ichneutica cuneata

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Ichneutica cuneata
Aletia s.l. cuneata female.jpg
Female
Aletia s.l. cuneata male.jpg
Male
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Noctuidae
Genus: Ichneutica
Species:
I. cuneata
Binomial name
Ichneutica cuneata
(Philpott, 1916) [1]
Synonyms
  • Aletia cuneataPhilpott,1916
  • Aletia s.l. cuneata(Philpott, 1916)
  • Aletia dentataPhilpott, 1923
  • Mythimna cuneata(Philpott, 1916)
  • Mythimna dentata(Philpott, 1923)
  • Aletia s.l. dentata(Philpott, 1923)

Ichneutica cuneata is a moth in the family Noctuidae. [1] It is endemic to New Zealand. I. cuneata is found in and around the Tongariro National Park in the North Island and throughout the South Island. Specimens found in Tongariro National Park tend to be darker in appearance than South Island specimens but as their colour is variable, and antennae and genitalia of both species are consistent, they are not now regarded as a separate species. I. cuneata inhabits tussock grasslands and shrublands in alpine and subalpine zones. The adults are on the wing from December to April and can be found flying during the day. The life history of I. cuneata is unknown as are the specific host species of its larvae. However larvae of I. cuneata are said to feed on herbaceous plants. The adults of this species also pollinate native species such as Myosotis macrantha .

Contents

Taxonomy

The species was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1916 from specimens obtained at Ben Lomond and Macetown. [2] Philpott named the species Aletia cuneata. [2] [3] The lectotype specimen, collected at Ben Lomond in January, is held in the New Zealand Arthropod Collection. [4] In 1988 J. S. Dugdale, in his catalogue on New Zealand Lepidopera, placed this species within the Aletia genus. [5] In 2019 Robert Hoare undertook a major review of New Zealand Noctuidae species. [4] During this review the genus Ichneutica was greatly expanded and the genus Aletia was subsumed into that genus as a synonym. [4] As a result of this review, this species is now known as Ichneutica cuneata. [4] Hoare, while undertaking the review, also inspected the type material of Aletia dentata. [4] Hoare placed this species within the genus Ichneutica and subsumed it as a synonym of Ichneutica cuneata. [4] Hoare justified this action by explaining that although the moths formerly regarded as a separate species tend to be darker, this colouration is variable and the lighter coloured specimens are identical to I. cuneata. [4] Hoare also points out that any differences in genitalia or antennae are not consistent enough to support a separate species. [4]

Description

Ichneutica cuneata observed in Cromwell Ichneutica cuneata 110143134.jpg
Ichneutica cuneata observed in Cromwell
Female darker form collected at Tongariro National Park Aletia s.l. dentata female.jpg
Female darker form collected at Tongariro National Park

Philpott reported that the species had a 38 to 39 mm wingspan. [2] George Hudson described the species as follows:

The forewings are greyish-ochreous, strongly clouded with brownish-ochreous in the disc; all lines are very obscure, the orbicular is almost round, outlined in black towards the termen; the claviform very small with cloudy blackish edging; the reniform dull black; there is a cloudy median shade; all the leading veins are broadly marked in blueish-gray; a blackish patch is situated near the middle of the subterminal area, two at the cornus and another on vein 1 at the base of the wing. The hind-wings are greyish-ochreous with a very broad blackish terminal band. [6]

The adult male of this species has a wingspan of between 32 and 39 mm where as the female has a wingspan of between 34 and 39 mm. [4] I. cuneata can be distinguished from similar species by the black to dark grey kidney mark on the forewings of the species as well as the colour of the hindwing which gradually changes from ocherous-grey to a darker grey along the border. [4] The underside of the hind wing also has a discal spot as well as a line. No similar species has these markings. [4]

The population of this species found at Tongariro National Park and previously separated into a distinct species tends to be darker in appearance as a result of the blackish markings on the forewings. However these markings are variable. [4]

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. [7] This species is only known from the Tongariro National Park in the North Island but is widespread in the South Island. [4] I. cuneata was discovered by J. H. Lewis at Ophir. [6] Along with Otago, [8] I. cuneata has also been found in Canterbury in the South Island, [9] as well as Mount Tongariro and Mount Ruapehu in the North Island. [6]

Habitat

This species frequents tussock grassland and shrubland in montane and subalpine areas. [4] [10] They have been recorded at altitudes of between 450 and 1640 m. [11]

Behaviour

The adult moths are on the wing from December to April and can be active during the day. [4] [10] They have been known to rest of rocks. [4]

Life history and host plants

Myosotis macrantha, a plant known to host and be pollinated by adult I. cuneata moths Myosotis macrantha 1221392.jpg
Myosotis macrantha, a plant known to host and be pollinated by adult I. cuneata moths

The life history of this species is unknown as are the specific host species of its larvae. [4] However larvae of I. cuneata are said to feed on herbs. [12] [13] Adults have been shown to feed from and help pollinate Myosotis macrantha at Mount Cook. [9]

Related Research Articles

<i>Ichneutica omoplaca</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica omoplaca is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. It is widespread from the Bay of Plenty in the North Island down to Southland in the South Island. Specimens have also been collected from the Auckland Islands. It lives in a variety of habitats including beech forest clearings and tussock grasslands. This species has been recorded that some of the larval hosts of this species include Poa cita, Dactylis glomerata and it has been reared on Plantago lanceolata. The larva is undescribed but pupae have been found in a pine plantation in soil under weeds. Adults of this species are on the wing from October to March. The adult moths are variable in appearance but the diagnostic feature is the pale ochreous to white colouring between the basal streak and the costa which contrasts with the ground colour of the forewing.

<i>Ichneutica pagaia</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica pagaia is a moth of the family Noctuidae. I. pagaia is endemic to New Zealand and can only be found on the Snares Islands. This species is unlikely to be confused with moths with a similar appearance as it is the only noctuid found in the Snares Islands. Its preferred habitat is tussock grasslands and the hosts for its larvae are likely Poa astonii and Poa tennantiana. Adults of this species are on the wing from November to February.

<i>Ichneutica petrograpta</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica petrograpta is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand where it is found in the southwest districts of the South Island, including Westland, Otago Lakes and Fiordland. It is very similar in appearance to I. mutans. It inhabits tussock and shrubland in the alpine to subalpine zones. Adults of I. petrograpta are on the wing from December to February and are attracted to sugar traps. The life history of this species is unknown as are the host species of its larvae.

<i>Ichneutica scutata</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica scutata is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species can be found in the southern parts of the North Island as well as the eastern parts of the South Island. It is similar in appearance to I. insignis and I. skelloni but can be distinguished as I. scutata is much paler in appearance. It is likely this species inhabits lowland tussock grasslands as well as coastal dunes although it is not common in inland tussock grasslands. The larvae feed on a variety of herbaceous plants such as Plantago and Convolvulus species, Plagianthus divaricatus. It pupates on soil near its host plants. The adults are on the wing from late March to July.

<i>Ichneutica acontistis</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica acontistis is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found only in the South Island, mainly on the eastern side although not in the Nelson district. This species is similar in appearance to I. paraxysta,I. stulta and I. toroneura. I. acontistis is unlikely to be confused with I. paraxysta as the later is only found in the North Island. I. acontistis can be distinguished from I. stulta as the latter species has a strongly curved forewing edge where as I. acontistis' is straight. I. acontistis can be distinguished from I. toroneura as the former has a dark stroke of colour starting from the base of the forewing that I. toroneura lacks. I. acontistis inhabits tussock grasslands and the larvae of this species feed on species of grass found in the genera Poa, Elymus and Rytidosperma. It pupates under rocks and adults are on the wing from September to January. I. acontistis are attracted to light.

<i>Ichneutica blenheimensis</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica blenheimensis is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found throughout the North, South and the Stewart Islands. This species appears to prefer drier eastern localities and is rarely collected in western North Island forested areas. It does not appear to be frequently collected in inland dry tussock grassland habitats. The host plant for the larvae of this species is likely to be the golden sand sedge pīngao which is now absent from the moths type locality. However Chappell has raised very young larvae on grass species and the more developed larvae consumed Phormium tenax. Adults are on the wing from November to March and are attracted to both light and sugar traps. The blackish forewing fringes are diagnostic of this species. But worn specimens of I. arotis can be confused with worn specimens of I. blenheimensis. However I. arotis can be distinguished from I. blenheimensis as it has a scale-tuft on the thorax and dark longitudinal stripes on the tegula. This species is classified as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation.

<i>Ichneutica propria</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica propria is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species is only known from Tongariro National Park and Pureora Forest in the North Island but is widespread in the South Island. I. propria might be confused with faded I. atristriga, however the later species lacks the distinctive marking on the prothorax nor does it have the black mark running through the middle of the forewing. It is very common and widespread in montane to alpine grassland areas. Although the larvae have yet to be described, they have been reared on Poa cita and Festuca novae-zelandiae and are known to feed on introduced grass species. The adults of this species are on the wing from December to mid May and are attracted to light.

<i>Ichneutica averilla</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica averilla is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species is found in the North Island at Mount Taranaki but is widespread throughout the South Island and Stewart Island. It prefers mountainous habitat but can be found down to sea level in the southern parts of the South Island. Adults of the species are on the wing between November and March. Larvae likely exist on a variety of herbaceous plants but have been recorded as feeding on species within the genus Plantago. This species is sometimes confused with I. mutas but can be distinguished from the latter on the basis of forewing colour as well as the absence of or an indistinct antemedian forewing line.

<i>Ichneutica toroneura</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica toroneura is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species is similar to I. unica but can be distinguished from that species by the uniform black vein markings on the forewings of I. toroneura. It is also similar in appearance to I. acontistis but the base of the forewings of I. toroneura lack the dark stripe that can be found on the forewings of I. acontistis. The males of I. toroneura have longer pectinations on their antennae. I. toroneura is found in the centre of southern South Island in the tussock grasslands of Central Otago and the Mackenzie Basin. Larvae feed on tussock grasses Poa cita and Festuca novae-zelandiae. Adults are on the wing from November to January.

<i>Ichneutica paraxysta</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica paraxysta is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species is very similar in appearance to its close relative I. acontistis but as the range of the two species do not overlap this is unlikely to cause confusion. I. paraxysta is only found in the North Island at the subalpine zones in the Mount Taranaki region and at Mount Ruapehu. It prefers tussock grassland and shrubland habitat. The life history of this species is unknown as are the host species of its larvae however it has been hypothesised that the larval host plants are species in the genera of Poa and Festuca.

<i>Ichneutica fibriata</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica fibriata is a moth in the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. Specimens of this moth were first collected by Frederick Giles Gibbs. The species is similar in appearance to other species in the Ichneutica genus particularly I. eris but can be distinguished due to its larger size and more uniform light grey colour. I. fibriata also has a similar coloured thorax and head where as these two anatomical features may differ in colour shade in I. eris. Adults frequent alpine areas and are on the wing in November to January. The life history and the host species of the larvae of this species is unknown.

<i>Ichneutica panda</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica panda is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and only found in central and southern parts of the South Island. The species has not been collected in Canterbury since the late 1950s and has not been seen at The Wilderness scientific reserve since 1941. This species is similar in appearance to Ichneutica falsidica however I. panda lack or have indistinct black dashes on their edge of their hindwings. I. panda inhabit shrubland from alpine zones down to river terraces and adults are on the wing between December and February. The life history of this species is unknown as is the host species of the larvae.

<i>Ichneutica falsidica</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica falsidica is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is widespread in the South Island but can only be found in the Tararua Range and Mount Taranaki in the North Island. This species is similar looking to I. panda but I. falsidica has dark dashes on their hind-wings. This species can be found open high country and has been seen flying during the day in sunny warm weather. At night adults are attracted to light. The life history of this species is unknown as are the host species of the larvae.

<i>Ichneutica nobilia</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica nobilia is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in the South Island, although not in the Nelson, Dunedin or Southland regions. This species prefers rocky habitats in alpine zones and the blueish-grey sheen on the species' forewings help camouflage it. Adults of I. nobilia are on the wing from December to February and are attracted to light. The life history of this species is unknown as are the host species of its larvae.

<i>Ichneutica marmorata</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica marmorata is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in the North Island at the Tongariro National Park and at Puketitiri near the Kaweka Range. In the South Island it is widespread. It prefers alpine to subalpine habitat but occurs down to sea level altitudes in more southern locations. Adults are on the wing from late October to February. Larvae of this species may use tussock grasses in the genus Chionochloa as their host and they have been reared on Festuca novae-zelandiae.

<i>Ichneutica disjungens</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica disjungens is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found on the central volcanic plateau of the North Island and in the eastern as well as the south western parts of the South Island. I. disjungens inhabits tussock grasslands in the alpine and subalpine zones. The hosts of the larvae of this species include Poa cita, P. colensoi, and Festuca novae-zelandiae. The adults of this species are distinctive and are unlikely to be confused with other species. They are on the wing between October and March.

<i>Ichneutica sollennis</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica sollennis is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. This species is known from the eastern and central areas of the southern South Island. It inhabits alpine zones and has been collected in tussock grasslands. The life history of this species is unknown. Although the host species is currently unknown it has been hypothesised that this species have grass or grass like plants as host plants. Adults are on the wing from November to February and are attracted to light.

<i>Ichneutica sapiens</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica sapiens is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. I. sapiens is found in the central North Island, in the South Island in Westland and also the southern parts of the South Island, and in Stewart Island. This species inhabits wetland habitat but its life history is unknown as are the host species of its larvae. The adult moths are on the wing between December and early January and are attracted to sugar traps and to light. I. sapiens is very similar in appearance to I. micrastra but is a smaller moth with a shorter wingspan, has differently formed antennae and slightly different forewing markings.

<i>Ichneutica sistens</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica sistens is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It can be found in the central North Island and throughout the South Island, although it is more common on the eastern side of that latter Island. It is very variable in both colour and size. I. sistens prefers open habitat such as tussock grasslands, dunes and braided rivers. Larval host species include grasses in the family Poaceae and include species in the genera Rytidosperma and Elymus, as well as Poa cita and Agrostis capillaris. Adults are on the wing from January to May and are attracted to light.

<i>Ichneutica paracausta</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica paracausta is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is found locally in the central North Island, is widespread in the South Island and can also be found in Stewart Island. I. paracausta is variable in colour, but as it has a distinctive black streak on its forewing as well as a wing pattern that is characteristic, I. paracausta is unlikely to be confused with other species. It is present on the North Island volcanic plateau as well as Little Bush Reserve in Hawkes Bay in the North Island as well as in tussock grassland, alpine and subalpine shrubland and in alpine forest. Larvae have been recorded as feeding on grasses, a pupa has been found in a cocoon under the bark of a tree and adult moths are on the wing from October to January.

References

  1. 1 2 "Ichneutica cuneata (Philpott, 1916)". www.nzor.org.nz. Retrieved 2021-08-03.
  2. 1 2 3 Philpott, Alfred (1916). "Descriptions of new species of Lepidoptera". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 48: 420–423 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  3. ↑ Dugdale, John S. (1988). "Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 14: 199. ISBN   0-477-02518-8. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2019-01-27. Retrieved 2018-07-14.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Hoare, Robert J. B. (9 December 2019). "Noctuinae (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) part 2: Nivetica, Ichneutica". Fauna of New Zealand. 80: 1–455. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.80.
  5. ↑ Dugdale, John Stewart (1988-09-23). "Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 14: 1–264. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-07-16. Retrieved 2021-08-03.
  6. 1 2 3 Hudson, G. V. (1928). The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. Wellington: Ferguson & Osborn Ltd. pp. 56–57. Archived from the original on 2020-09-28. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
  7. ↑ "Ichneutica cuneata (Philpott, 1916)". nztcs.org.nz. 2021. Retrieved 2021-08-04.
  8. ↑ Patrick, Brian (1994). "Hawkdun Ecological District Invertebrate Survey" (PDF). Science & Research Series. 64. ISBN   0-478-01553-4. ISSN   0113-3713. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-05-07. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
  9. 1 2 Newstrom, Linda; Robertson, Alastair (1 January 2005). "Progress in understanding pollination systems in New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 43 (1): 1–59. doi:10.1080/0028825x.2005.9512943. ISSN   0028-825X. S2CID   83798157.
  10. 1 2 Barratt, B. I. P.; Patrick, B. H. (1 January 1987). "Insects of snow tussock grassland on the East Otago Plateau". New Zealand Entomologist. 10 (1): 69–98. doi:10.1080/00779962.1987.9722513. ISSN   0077-9962.
  11. ↑ Patrick, Brian H.; Lyford, Brian M.; Ward, John B.; Barratt, Barbara I. P. (1 December 1992). "Lepidoptera and other insects of the Rastus Burn Basin, The Remarkables, Otago". Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 22 (4): 265–278. doi: 10.1080/03036758.1992.10420820 . ISSN   0303-6758.
  12. ↑ White, E.G. (1991). "The changing abundance of moths in a tussock grassland, 1962-1989, and 50- to 70-year trends". New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 15 (1): 5–22. S2CID   89398506.
  13. ↑ Patrick, B.H. (1991). Insects of the Dansey ecological district (PDF). Wellington, N.Z.: Department of Conservation, New Zealand. ISBN   0-478-01285-3 . Retrieved 18 December 2017.
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