| Notoreas simplex | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Female | |
 | |
| Male | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Geometridae |
| Genus: | Notoreas |
| Species: | N. simplex |
| Binomial name | |
| Notoreas simplex | |
| Synonyms [2] | |
| |
Notoreas simplex is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.
This species was first described in 1898 by George Hudson using material he collected on Mount Arthur in January. [1] [3] [4] Hudson also discussed and illustrated this species in his 1928 book The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. [5] The genus Notoreas was reviewed in 1986 by R. C. Craw and the placement of this species within it was confirmed. [6] In 2010 Brian Patrick, Robert Hoare and Birgit Rhode synonymised Notoreas regilla with N. simplex. [2] Although they retained the species N. simplex this status was regarded by them as tentative. [2] Species within the genus Notoreas are currently regarded as being in need of revision and in particular this species is regarded as needing more taxonomic work. [7] The holotype specimen is held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. [4]
Hudson originally described the species as follows:
The expansion of the wings of the female is from 24 to 25 mm. (1 inch). Fore-wings moderate, termen rounded; rather dark fuscous, mixed and obscurely striated with orange; a curved white sub-dentate line before one-fourth, anteriorly blackish margined; a similar white line beyond one-fourth, posteriorly blackish-margined; space between these sometimes suffused with orange; a slender irregularly dentate white fascia beyond middle, rather strongly angulated in middle, anteriorly blackish-margined, posteriorly closely followed by a dentate orange line; a dentate orange line near termen, dilated on costa. Hind-wings moderate, termen rounded; orange, lighter anteriorly; basal half dark fuscous mixed with orange, its outer edge irregularly curved; a dentate subterminal fascia and narrow terminal fascia dark fuscous, sometimes obscure. [3]
However the holotype specimen Hudson used for this description is regarded as diverging from the normal appearance of this species. [2] Also Philpott's specimen used for the first description of Lythria regilla is a distinctive form of N. simplex. [2]
N. simplex is endemic to New Zealand. [1] [8] This species is found in the mountains of Nelson, Marlborough and Canterbury and also on the Kaikōura and Canterbury coast as far south as Kaitorete Spit. [2]
The female moth lays her eggs within the flower buds of their host plant. [9] When the larvae emerge from their eggs, they eat into the leaves or buds of their host, hiding from predators. [9] Once they are large enough, they emerge to feed from the fresh growth of the plant. [9] N. simplex pupate in a loose cocoon on the ground under their host. [9] N. simplex likely has two generations each year with adults on the wing in the months of late September until April. [2] N. simplex are day-flying moths. [9] They are low but fast flyers and constantly vibrate their wings to enable them to take off rapidly. [9]
The host plants for the larvae of N. simplex are endemic species of Pimelea including Pimelea prostrata at Kaitorete Spit. [2]
Notoreas is a genus of geometer moths endemic to New Zealand. The genus was described by Edward Meyrick in 1885.
Schiffermuelleria orthophanes is a moth of the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand. It is classified as critically endangered by the Department of Conservation.
Gadira leucophthalma, the beaked moss moth, is a moth in the family Crambidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in the south eastern side of the South Island down to Banks Peninsula. G. leucophthalma inhabits the foredunes of coastal areas. The larval host is unknown but it has been hypothesised that the larvae feed on moss. The adult moths are day flying although some specimens have been trapped at night via light traps. Adults are commonly on the wing from March to April. This species has been classified as Nationally Vulnerable by the Department of Conservation.
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.
Xanthorhoe lophogramma is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and if found in the South Island. This species inhabits dry beech scrub but its larval host is unknown. Adult moths are on the wing in January. This species is classified as "At Risk, Nationally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation.
Notoreas atmogramma is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is a day flying moth that frequents alpine habitat.
Notoreas chrysopeda is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is a colourful day flying moth that lives in mountainous habitat.
Notoreas galaxias is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the southern half of the South Island. The species inhabits alpine herbfields and their larvae feed on species in the genera Kelleria and Drapetes. The adults are on the wing February to March.
Notoreas arcuata is a species of geometer moth endemic to New Zealand. This species if found in the South Island and has been observed in the Saint Arnaud Range, around Arthur's Pass and in the Oteake Conservation Park. Larvae feed on species in the genera Kelleria and Pimelea. Adults are on the wing from December to February.
Notoreas hexaleuca is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand.
Notoreas ischnocyma is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. This species is found in Canterbury and Otago.
Notoreas elegans is a species of moth in the family Geometridae, endemic to New Zealand. This species has a wide distribution in New Zealand and is therefore regarded as not being in need of conservation.
Notoreas isoleuca is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.
Notoreas isomoera is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.
Notoreas mechanitis is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.
Notoreas niphocrena is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.
Notoreas ortholeuca is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.
Notoreas paradelpha is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.
Notoreas perornata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North Island from Northland to Westland as well as in the South Island on the coast of Marlborough.
Trachypepla importuna is a moth of the family Oecophoridae first described by Edward Meyrick in 1927. This moth is regarded as having been introduced to New Zealand and is presumed to be native to Australia. T. importuna has been collected in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It inhabits native scrub and adults are on the wing in January and February. The placement of this species in the genus Trachypepla is regarded as being unsatisfactory and in need of revision.
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