Ichneutica panda

Last updated

Ichneutica panda
Aletia s.l. argentaria male.jpg
Male
Aletia s.l. panda female.jpg
Female
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. panda
Binomial name
Ichneutica panda
(Philpott, 1920) [1]
Synonyms [2]
  • Aletia pandaPhilpott, 1920
  • Mythimna panda(Philpott, 1920)
  • Aletia s.l. panda(Philpott, 1920)
  • Aletia argentariaHowes, 1945
  • Mythimna argentaria(Howes, 1945)
  • Aletia s.l. argentaria(Howes, 1945)

Ichneutica panda is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae. [1] 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.

Contents

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1920 from a male collected by George Hudson at Mount Earnslaw / Pikirakatahi and a female collected by Philpott at Routeburn. Philpott named the species Aletia panda. [3] [2] The male lectotype specimen is held at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. [2] The argentaria form of this species was first described by George Howes in 1945 using a specimen collected by him at The Wilderness scientific reserve in Southland under the name Aletia argentaria. [4] [5]

Prior to 2019, the genus level classification of New Zealand endemic moths within the genus Aletia was regarded as unsatisfactory and was due for revision. [6] As such this species has previously been known as Aletia ( s.l. ) panda as well as Aletia (s.l.) argentaria. [6] In 2019 Robert Hoare undertook a major review of New Zealand Noctuidae. [2] During this review the genus Ichneutica was greatly expanded and the genus Aletia was subsumed into that genus as a synonym. [2] As a result of this review, this species is now known as Ichneutica panda. [2] During this review Hoare also synonymised Aletia argentaria with I. panda. [2]

Description

The original description of this species given by Philpott is as follows:

♂, 33 mm. ; ♀, 36 mm. Head and palpi grey, in ♂ tinged with ochreous. Antennae in S strongly bipectinated. Thorax grey, with dark bar on collar, crests absent. Abdomen greyish-ochreous. Legs greyish-ochreous, anterior tarsi blackish annulated with ochreous. Forewings, costa almost straight, apex rounded, termen oblique, evenly rounded ; bluish-gxey, tinged with ochreous, in ♀ mixed with blackish-fuscous ; a black dot on costa at base, margined broadly with whitish ; first line faintly indicated, irregularly dentate, fuscous, margined anteriorly with whitish ; second line from 1⁄2 costa to 3⁄5 dorsum, deeply and widely indented on upper half, irregularly dentate on lower half, blackish ; a thin dentate fuscous pre-subterminal line, curving beneath reniform and closely approaching second line, thence running parallel with it to dorsum, apex of teeth margined with white ; subterminal line obscure, margined anteriorly, in ♂ narrowly, in ♀ broadly, with fuscous ; a series of fuscous dots round termen ; orbicular circular, pale, interruptedly margined with fuscous ; claviform directly beneath orbicular, circular, half as large as, and similar in colouring to, orbicidar ; reniform pale, faintly fuscous-margined : cilia ochreous with basal and post-median fuscous lines. Hind wings in ♂ ochreous-fuscous, in ♀ fuscous : cilia ochreous, in ♀ with obscure fuscous line. [3]

The argentaria form of this species was described by Howes as follows:

Expanse, 37 mm. Head clothed with a mixture of grey and ochreous scales. Palpi not prominent and short tipped. Antennae grey-brown, with finely ciliated pectinations—pectinations twice the width of shaft. Thorax clothed with a mixture of dark grey and yellowish brown hairs. Abdomen ochreous, with well developed tufts at sides and posterior. Forewings, general colour, stone grey. Basal line dark grey, margined outwardly with light grey. First line very indistinct—hardly discernable. Second line dark, but thin and rather faint. Subterminal line projects outwards towards termen at just below apex and continues on down to dorsum with a series of very small outward indentations on the vein crossings. Subterminal area stone grey, with very small ochreous spots bordering the subterminal line between the veins. The rest of the wing surface is stone grey with a very dark grey suffused band running from costa between reniform and orbicular to dorsum. A similar darker band crosses the wing just before the subterminal line. Reniform, orbicular, and claviform are stone grey centred and outlined in dark grey. The reniform also has two small central patches of ochreous scales. Cilia grey, with a dark grey line at base. Veins are outlined by darker marks towards the termen and half-way between termen and reniform a series of light grey dots crosses the wing. Hind Wings pale ochreous, darker towards termen. Cilia ochreous, paler at tips. This species, while having a strong superficial resemblance to Aletia moderato, is readily distinguished by having moderately pectinated antennae. [4]

The argentaria form was regarded by George Hudson as being very similar to Aletia panda, differing only in having narrower forewings, more oblique termen and smaller orbicular stigma. [7] Hoare formally synonymised argentaria with panda as although the argentaria from is smaller and more uniform in colour the wingspan falls within the wingspan range of panda, the genitalia of argentaria specimens show no differences to panda and, although argentaria has a variable forewing pattern, that difference is not sufficient to justify being classified as a separate species. [2]

More strongly marked forms of I. panda can be confused with I. falsidica. [2] However the antennae of male I. panda have shorter pectinations and both the male and female I. panda lack or have unclearly defined dark dash marks on their hindwing termen in comparison to the more vivid marks in specimens of I. falsidica. [2]

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. [2] It is only found in the central and southern parts of the South Island. [2] Although this species has been collected in Canterbury, this was over 60 years ago with a specimen collected at Arthur's Pass in 1958 and at Bealey River in 1959. [2] It has also not been recollected at the Wilderness Scientific Reserve since 1941. [2]

Habitat

The preferred habitat of this species is shrublands in alpine and subalpine zones as well as in river terraces. [2]

Behaviour

Adults of this species are on the wing between December and February. [2]

Life history and host species

The life history of this species is unknown as are the host species of its larvae. [2]

Related Research Articles

<i>Izatha metadelta</i> Species of moth

Izatha metadelta is a moth of the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand, where it is known from the North Island only. It is rare north of Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.

<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 sericata</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica sericata is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species is variable and difficult to distinguish from I. skelloni specimens. It is known from the southern part of the South Island and from Stewart Island. There has been one specimen collected in Taranaki but although Robert Hoare determined the species, he expressed reservations given the location of collection. I. sercata inhabits shrubland at altitudes of between 470 and 900m. The life history of this species is unknown as are the host species of its larvae. The adults of this species are on the wing in August at Stewart Island and in November and December in the South Island.

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

Ichneutica hartii is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found only in the North Island. I. hartii is similar in appearance to Ichneutica agrorastis but can be distinguished as it tends to be smaller in size and have a more purplish shade to its fore wings. I. hartii tends to be found inhabiting lowland native forest or forests found in the hilly ranges of the North Island. It is attracted to light and the adults of this moth are on the wing between January and March. Much of its life history is currently unknown as are the larvae host species.

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

Ichneutica similis is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species is found only in certain parts of the North Island, in the western side of the South Island and on Stewart Island. It inhabits peatlands as well as inland and coastal wetlands. The life history of this species is unknown and the host species of its larvae has yet to be confirmed. It has been hypothesised that larval host species might be within the Empodisma genus as well as possibly the species Apodasmia similis.

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

Trachypepla semilauta is a moth of the family Oecophoridae and was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1918. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been collected in Southland. This species inhabits southern beech forest on the side of mountains. Adults are on the wing in 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 agorastis</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica agorastis is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. This moth is similar in appearance to two other species in the genus but can be distinguished through the colour and size of its forewings. This species is found in the South Island and Stewart Island in open habitats in the subalpine zone. However, in Southland I. agorastis can be found down to sea-level. Adult moths are on the wing between January and April. The life history and host species are unknown.

<i>Gingidiobora nebulosa</i> Species of moth

Gingidiobora nebulosa, the gingidium looper moth, is a moth in the family Crambidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species has been classified as Nationally Vulnerable by the Department of Conservation.

<i>Ichneutica cana</i> Species of moth, endemic to New Zealand

Ichneutica cana is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand.

<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 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 bromias</i> Species of moth

Ichneutica bromias is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand where is found on the Chatham, Pitt and Rangatira Islands. This species is similar in appearance to Ichneutica mutans but is darker and duller in its overall appearance. However, as I. mutans is not present in the Chathams this similarity is unlikely to cause confusion. The adults of the species are on the wing from November to March. The life history and the larval host species are unknown.

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

Ichneutica brunneosa is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It can be found in the North Island from Mount Te Aroha and in the South Island from the Coromandel to Stewart Island. However it appears to not be present in the centre of the South Island. The distinctive colour and patterns on the forewing of this species ensures it is unlikely to be confused with similar species. It inhabits native forests with higher rainfall and is attracted to mercury vapour light traps. The life history of I. brunneosa is unknown as are the host species of its larvae but the adults of the species are on the wing from October to January.

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

Ichneutica fenwicki is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the southern parts of the South Island and on Stewart Island. It is a distinctively coloured moth that is unlikely to be confused with closely related species. It is a spring flying moth being on the wing from September to November. The life history and host species of the larvae of I. fenwicki are unknown.

<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.

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>Physetica sequens</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Physetica sequens is a species of moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found throughout the North and South Islands. It appears to be more common in the North Island than the South Island, and lives in open native shrublands, peatlands, Northland gumland, inland volcanic dunes, and Dracophyllum-dominated areas at altitudes that range from sea level to the alpine zone, up to at least 1600 m. Larvae of this species have been successfully reared on Leucopogon fasciculatus and Leptecophylla juniperina. The adults of this species are variable in appearance and are on the wing from September to March. P. sequens is similar in appearance to P. phricias but can be distinguished as P. phricias has a narrow black line along the dorsum of its forewing that P. sequens does not. P. sequens is also similar in appearance to P. cucullina however the forewing dorsum area of P. sequens does not have the narrow black line that is frequently present on P. cucullina forewings.

<i>Meterana badia</i> Species of moth endemic to New Zealand

Meterana badia is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand.

References

  1. 1 2 "Ichneutica panda (Philpott, 1920)". www.nzor.org.nz. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
  2. 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.
  3. 1 2 Philpott, Alfred (1920). "Notes and descriptions of New Zealand Lepidoptera". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 52: 42–44 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  4. 1 2 Howes, W. George (1945). "New Lepidoptera". Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 75: 65–67.
  5. ↑ 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.
  6. 1 2 Hoare, R.J.B.; Rhode, B.E.; Emmerson, A.W. (March 2012). "Larger moths of New Zealand: Image gallery and online guide". Landcare Research. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Archived from the original on 2019-09-24. Retrieved 2018-07-14.
  7. ↑ Hudson, George Vernon (1950). Fragments of New Zealand entomology. Wellington: Ferguson & Osborn Ltd. p. 77.
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.