Ichneutica virescens

Ichneutica virescens
	Female
	Male
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Superfamily:	Noctuoidea
Family:	Noctuidae
Genus:	Ichneutica
Species:	I. virescens
Binomial name
	Ichneutica virescens; (Butler, 1879)
Synonyms
	Chera virescensButler, 1879 ; Graphania virescens(Butler, 1879) ; Mythimna virescens(Butler, 1879) ; Aletia s.l. virescens(Butler, 1879) ; Aletia virescens(Butler, 1879) ;

Last updated May 29, 2024

Ichneutica virescens, also known as the greater alpine grey,^[3] is a moth of the family Noctuidae.^[1] It is endemic to New Zealand, and is found in the southern North Island and throughout the South Island. The species is found in alpine, sub-alpine, and down to sea-level in grassland habitats. Adults are on the wing from November through to April. The likely larval host may be grasses, but larvae have been reared on a range of plants. The adults are similar to I. panda , I. falsidica and I. nobilia , but is distinguished by size, wing colouration, and antennae formation.

Taxonomy

This species was described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1879 from an unspecified number of specimens obtained from Frederick Hutton at the Otago Museum and collected from Otago.^[4] Butler originally named the species Chera virescens.^[4] The holotype specimen is a female held at the Natural History Museum, London.^[2]

In earlier literature the species is known as Leucania griseipennis or Aletia griseipennis as a result of Edward Meyrick incorrectly interpreting the name griseipennis Felder & Rogenhofer.^[5]^[2] J. S. Dugdale, in his catalogue of New Zealand Lepidoptera, revised the incorrect synonymy given by Meyrick and placed this species within the Aletia genus.^[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 viriscens.^[2]

Description

Butler described the species as follows:

Primaries above greyish-green, with black costal spots indicating the origin of the usual lines; all the lines and spots black or blackish. margined either outwardly or inwardly with pale ochraceous; the discoidal spots and a spot below the orbicular indicated in outline; an oblique zigzag line from the reniform to the inner margin, followed by a subangulated series of lunate markings from costa to inner margin, an extradiscal series of ill-formed hastate subconfluent black spots parallel to the outer margin; fringe blackish towards the apex; secondaries sericeous grey with a feeble lilacine tint; a broad deep brownish grey external border; fringe yellowish at base, tipped with white and intersected by a grey line; thorax greyish-green, abdomen sordid whitish, sericeous; anus yellowish; under surface of wings silvery-greyish, the primaries with the costal and external borders finely white-speckled but not distinctly; an ochraceous tuft close to the base covering a bare and swollen space at the base of the costal vein; a slightly arched grey discal line; internal area white at base; secondaries paler than primaries; the fringe yellowish at base; an arched grey discal line; discocellulars greyish: body below sordid white. Expanse of wings 1 inch 10 lines.^[4]

The wingspan of the female of this species is between 40 and 49 mm and for the male is between 42 and 46 mm.^[2]I. virescens is similar in appearance to I. panda and I. falsidica, although both these latter species are smaller in size.^[2] The forewing markings of I. virescens are "much more distinct" than in I. nobilia. Fresh specimens can be distinguished from the smaller I. panda through the scaling of the inner edge of the subterminal line. This scaling has three patches in I. virescens, which are absent I. panda.^[2]I. falsidica can be distinguished by the pectinations of the male antennae, and by colour differences in the wing.^[2]

Distribution

It is endemic to New Zealand.^[7] It is found in the southern North Island and throughout the South Island, but is not known from any offshore islands.^[2] George Hudson described it as very common on Mount Taranaki, and extremely abundant on the lower slopes of Mount Aurum in Otago and at up to around 3,000 feet (910 m) altitude at Mount Earnslaw / Pikirakatahi.^[8]

Habitat

This species is known from grassland habitat.^[2]^[8]

Behaviour

The larvae are likely to pupate under rocks.^[2] Adults of this species are on the wing from November to April, although most observations have been in the January to March period.^[8]^[2] Generally nocturnal, it is known to sometimes fly by day.^[2]

Life history and host species

Illustration by Hudson of a young larva of I. virescens Plate I The butterflies & moths of NZ (cropped) fig 24 Ichneutica virescens.jpg — Illustration by Hudson of a young larva of *I. virescens*

George Hudson describes the egg as approximately 0.8mm, and pale yellowish white. The adult larvae are about 38mm long, with a light green shiny head and a body which is "very vivid green, paler and bluer underneath", with a "conspicuous yellowish sub-dorsal line and a broad white lateral line".^[8]

Hudson described the larva as "no doubt" feeding on native grasses, although Hoare reports that this is not accepted by White,^[9] and that the host-range of the larvae requires further investigation.^[2] Larval specimens have been reared on Epilobium , Coriaria plumosa , and Blechnaceae ferns.^[2]

Related Research Articles

Ichneutica is a genus of cutworm or dart moths in the family Noctuidae. The genus is found in New Zealand and surrounding islands. There are more than 80 described species in Ichneutica, the largest known genus of Lepidoptera in New Zealand. In 2019 this genus was revised and greatly expanded with the genera Graphania Hampson, 1905, Tmetolophota Hampson, 1905 and Dipaustica Meyrick, 1912 all subsumed within it.

Ichneutica lissoxyla is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in the central and southern parts of the North Island and in most parts of the South Island. The species prefers snowgrass habitat in the alpine zone. I. lissoxyla is similar in appearance to I. paraxysta but can be distinguished as I. lissoxyla lack the black streaks on the forewings that can be found on the latter species and the male I. lissoxyla also has longer pectinations on antennae. The life history of this species is unknown as are the host species of its larvae. Adults are on the wing from January to April and are attracted to the light.

Ichneutica maya is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in the mountains in southern half of the North Island and in the South Island. I. maya is a distinctively coloured and patterned moth and as such is unlikely to be confused with similar species. I. maya can be found in the southern half of the North Island down through the South Island. This species can be found in alpine to subalpine zones with high rainfall but in Southland this species can be found down to sea level. This life history in the wild is unknown, nor has its larval host species been confirmed. Adults are on the wing from December to March and are attracted to sugar and light traps.

Ichneutica morosa is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the southern parts of the North Island and throughout the South Island. I. morosa is common in the eastern parts of both those islands and also in Fiordland. I. morosa can be found from altitudes ranging from lowlands to the alpine zone. I. morosa is absent from the range of its closely related species I. mustulenta, that is from the northern North Island. The larvae of I. morosa are known to feed on Poa astonii and also on other Poa species including introduced species. As well as its standard form the adult moths have a grey colour morph with the head and thorax being a grey and mottled brown, and the forewing being a pale greyish ochreous to a deep brown, suffused with grey. I. morosa can be confused with I. mustulenta and I. lignana. Adults are on the wing from November to April.

Ichneutica nullifera is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in the Tongariro National Park, along the Wellington coast and throughout the South Island. The adults are large and the forewing of adults can vary in colour from pale fawn to dark grey. The larvae are coloured a bright yellow-brown with a paler underside. The larval host species are in the genus Aciphylla and as a result the adult moths are often found in habitat dominated by species in this genus. Adults are on the wing from November to early April and are sometimes attracted to light.

Ichneutica oliveri is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand, found only in the South Island. However it has not been observed on the eastern side of that island from mid-Canterbury southwards to Southland. This species is distinctive and is unlikely to be confused with other closely related species. It inhabits tussock grasslands, shrubland as well as granite sand plains, all in the alpine zone. Adults are on the wing from December to March and are attracted to light. They have been observed feeding on the flowers of Hebe species. The life history of this species is unknown as are the larval hosts.

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.

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.

Ichneutica epiastra is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found throughout the North, South and Stewart Islands. This species prefers open habitats such as wetlands, dunes and forest clearings. Eggs are laid in the summer or autumn and larvae feed during winter and spring. The larval host species are found within the genus Austroderia. The adult moths are on the wing between October and February. Adult I. epiastra can possibly be confused with the similar species I. arotis and I. haedifrontella however there are differences in appearance that enables I. epiastra to be distinguished from these two species. In particular I. epiastra has long sharp-tipped ‘horns' on its head that are diagnostic. The adults of this species appear reluctant to be attracted to light although they do come more frequently to the brighter mercury vapour traps.

Ichneutica cuneata is a moth in the family Noctuidae. 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.

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.

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.

Ichneutica dione is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This moth species is closely related to I. ceraunias and is very similar in appearance to that species. However I. dione has a much more restrictive range, being found only in the alpine zone and hills of the South Island and is less commonly collected. Adults of the species are on the wing from December to February and although sometimes can be found flying during the day, they are more commonly seen at night.

Ichneutica notata is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. Although similar in appearance to other species in the Ichneutica genus, it can be distinguished by the colouration and patterns on its wings. It appears to be a very local species, rarely collected and having only been recorded in the north-west of the Tasman District, the Paproa Range, the Rainbow Ski field and the Craigieburn Range. Very little is known of the life history of I. notata.

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.

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.

Ichneutica moderata is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found from the Bay of Plenty south including the Chatham Islands. I. moderata inhabits open spaces in lowland to montane zones. Larvae likely feed on a variety of low growing herbaceous plants including on Raoulia species. Larvae create silk covered tunnels in the roots of their host plants. Pupa are enclosed in a loose silken cocoons and are sheltered amongst the host species roots. The adult moths are on the wing from October to April.

Ichneutica skelloni is a moth of the family Noctuidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. Its presence has been confirmed in the North Island only in the Wellington region but is widespread throughout the South Island. It is also found in Stewart Island. I. skelloni is extremely variable in size, in the colour and patterns on the fore and hind wings, length of pectinations on male antennae and even in its genitalia. A larger more patterned form can be found in Westland and Fiordland, a medium-sized form is found from Wellington to Stewart Island and there is also a smaller Dunedin and Southland form. This species can be confused with specimens with the species I. insignis, I. scutata and I. pelanodes. I. skelloni can be found in forest and shrubland habitat. Adults are on the wing from July to April and are attracted to light. Host plants for the larvae are found in the genera Plantago, Senecio and Ranunculus and also include the species Bellis perennis.

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 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.

References

1 2 "Ichneutica virescens (Butler, 1879)". www.nzor.org.nz. 2021. Archived from the original on 2021-07-30. Retrieved 2021-07-30.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Hoare, Robert J. B. (2019-12-09). "Noctuinae (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) part 2: Nivetica, Ichneutica". Fauna of New Zealand. 80: 1–455. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.80. Archived from the original on 2021-08-07. Retrieved 2021-07-30.
↑ "Greater Alpine Grey (Ichneutica virescens)". iNaturalist NZ. Retrieved 2024-05-28.
1 2 3 Butler, A.G. (1897). "On a small collection of Heterocerous Lepidoptera, from New Zealand". Cistula Entomologica. 2: 487–511. Archived from the original on 2021-08-07. Retrieved 2021-08-07– via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
↑ Meyrick, Edward (1912). "A revision of the classification of the New Zealand Caradrinina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 44: 88–107. Archived from the original on 2020-11-06. Retrieved 2021-08-07– via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
↑ Dugdale, J. S. (1988). "Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 14: 201. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 January 2019. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
↑ "Ichneutica virescens (Butler, 1879)". nztcs.org.nz. 2021. Archived from the original on 2021-07-30. Retrieved 2021-07-30.
1 2 3 4 George Vernon Hudson (1928), The butterflies and moths of New Zealand, Illustrator: George Hudson, Wellington: Ferguson and Osborn Limited, pp. 55–56, LCCN 88133764, OCLC 25449322, Wikidata Q58593286
↑ Graeme White (2002). New Zealand Tussock Grassland Moths (1st ed.). Lincoln: Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. ISBN 0-478-09345-4. OL 3649661M. Wikidata Q78653209.

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[NZOR-1] 1 2 "Ichneutica virescens (Butler, 1879)". www.nzor.org.nz. 2021. Archived from the original on 2021-07-30. Retrieved 2021-07-30.

[Hoare-2] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Hoare, Robert J. B. (2019-12-09). "Noctuinae (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) part 2: Nivetica, Ichneutica". Fauna of New Zealand. 80: 1–455. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.80. Archived from the original on 2021-08-07. Retrieved 2021-07-30.

[3] "Greater Alpine Grey (Ichneutica virescens)". iNaturalist NZ. Retrieved 2024-05-28.

[Butler-4] 1 2 3 Butler, A.G. (1897). "On a small collection of Heterocerous Lepidoptera, from New Zealand". Cistula Entomologica. 2: 487–511. Archived from the original on 2021-08-07. Retrieved 2021-08-07– via Biodiversity Heritage Library.

[5] Meyrick, Edward (1912). "A revision of the classification of the New Zealand Caradrinina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 44: 88–107. Archived from the original on 2020-11-06. Retrieved 2021-08-07– via Biodiversity Heritage Library.

[Dugdale1988-6] Dugdale, J. S. (1988). "Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 14: 201. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 January 2019. Retrieved 24 January 2018.

[NZTCS-7] "Ichneutica virescens (Butler, 1879)". nztcs.org.nz. 2021. Archived from the original on 2021-07-30. Retrieved 2021-07-30.

[Hudson-8] 1 2 3 4 George Vernon Hudson (1928), The butterflies and moths of New Zealand, Illustrator: George Hudson, Wellington: Ferguson and Osborn Limited, pp. 55–56, LCCN 88133764, OCLC 25449322, Wikidata Q58593286

[White-9] Graeme White (2002). New Zealand Tussock Grassland Moths (1st ed.). Lincoln: Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. ISBN 0-478-09345-4. OL 3649661M. Wikidata Q78653209.

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