| Scythris nigra | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Male holotype | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Scythrididae |
| Genus: | Scythris |
| Species: | S. nigra |
| Binomial name | |
| Scythris nigra Philpott, 1931 | |
Scythris nigra is a species of moth in the family Scythrididae first described by Alfred Philpott in 1931. [1] It is endemic to New Zealand. The larvae of this species feeds on Hebe odora. The adults are day flying and on the wing in December.
This species was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1931 using specimens collected on Maungatua in December by C. E. Clarke. [2] The male holotype specimen is held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. [3]
Philpott described this species as follows:
♂. 12 mm. Head, palpi, abdomen and thorax dark purplish fuscous. Antennae purplish fuscous, ciliations in ♂ ½. Legs dark purplish fuscous, tarsi without annulations. Forewings with costa moderately arched, bent at ⅓, apex acute, termen extremely oblique; dark purplish fuscous sparsely sprinkled with white scales: fringes dark fuscous. Hindwings and fringes dark fuscous. [2]
This species can be distinguished from the similar appearing S. triatma as it has a much darker appearance and lacks the bluish-slate colour that can be seen on the fore-wings of S. triatma. [4]
This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the lower parts of the South Island. [5] [4]
The adults of this species are day flying and on the wing in December. [4] [6]
S. nigra normally lives in alpine habitats however it can be also found at relatively low altitudes such as at Waitahuna Hill near Lake Mahinerangi. [7] The larvae of this species feed on Hebe odora . [8]
Asterivora tristis is a species of moth in the family Choreutidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in Tongariro National Park. Adults of this species are on the wing in January.
Cryptaspasma querula is a moth of the family Tortricidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found throughout the country. This species inhabits podocarp and broadleaf forest. The larvae consume parts of the seeds and fruits of tawa, tarairi and miro trees and are predated upon by the invasive to New Zealand house mouse. Larvae pupate in leaf litter under their host trees. Adults are variable in appearance and also in size. They are on the wing throughout the year and are nocturnal but are attracted to light. They can be found having flown inside houses and have also been observed resting on fences or other human made structures during the day.
Stathmopoda albimaculata is a species of moth in the Stathmopodidae family. It is endemic to New Zealand and is located in the lower half of the South Island. This species favours habitat that includes the various Olearia species that host its larvae. It has also been found to inhabit lowland podocarp native forest. The larvae feed on species in the genus Olearia. Adults are on the wing between the months of October and February. S. albimaculata is classified as Nationally Endangered by the Department of Conservation.
Tanaoctena dubia, the Karamu shoot borer or Coprosma shoot borer moth, is a moth in the family Galacticidae. It was described by Alfred Philpott in 1931. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the northern half of the North Island.
Archyala culta is a species of moth in the family Tineidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is classified as "Data Deficient" by the Department of Conservation. This species has only been collected at Opoho and is only known from its type specimen.
Hierodoris squamea is a moth of the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the mountains of Fiordland as well as the Olivine Range in south Westland. This species has a wingspan of between 12 and 13 mm and can be distinguished from similar species as it is very small in size, has a reduced eyespot on its forewings, clearly visible through Scanning Electron Microscope preparations, and has orange-yellow scales overlaying its dark forewing. It prefers open country of tussock grasslands and herbfields at high altitudes. As at 2005 the larvae are unknown. Adults are on the wing in January.
Hierodoris insignis is a species of moth in the family Gelechiidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been found in the Nelson/Tasman districts. The larvae are leaf miners and are hosted by Celmisia species. Adults are on the wing in January. It is likely that this species belongs to another genus and as such this species is also known as Hierodoris (s.l.) insignis or 'Hierodoris' insignis.
Mallobathra angusta is a moth of the family Psychidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand.
Mallobathra tonnoiri is a moth of the family Psychidae. It was described by Alfred Philpott in 1927. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the South Island. Adults are on the wing in December.
Tingena afflicta is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand.
Tingena amiculata is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the Nelson, Tasman and Canterbury regions. This species has been collected amongst Hebe species and shrubland at altitudes of up to 4500 ft. It is similar in appearance to its near relatives Tingena basella and Tingena laudata.
Tingena aurata is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand. The adults of the species are on the wing in November and December.
Tingena decora is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been collected at Lake Rotoroa and adults are on the wing in February.
Tingena lassa is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in Otago. It frequents both subalpine habitat at altitudes up to 1100 meters down to sea level residential areas. This species' resting place on rock walls has frequently been spotted. Around November and December, you can see this species' adults flying.
Tingena laudata is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in Fiordland and Otago. Adults of this species are on the wing in January.
Tingena paula is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in Canterbury. Adults of this species are on the wing in November.
Atomotricha lewisi is a moth in the family Oecophoridae. This species was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1927 and is endemic to New Zealand. This species has been observed in Central Otago and the Mackenzie Country. The larvae are believed to be soil dwelling with the adults emerging during the winter months of May and June. The female of the species is short winged and flightless and the male of the species have been observed on the wing in August and September.
Trachypepla minuta is a moth of the family Oecophoridae first described by Alfred Philpott in 1931. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been collected in Auckland. Adults of this species are on the wing in December. It is distinguishable from similar species as it is smaller in size and darker in appearance than other species in the genus Trachypepla.
Orthenches disparilis is a moth of the family Plutellidae. This species was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1931. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in Auckland and Otago. O. disparilis is associated with species in the genus Corokia and larvae are known to feed on Corokia buddleioides. The larvae mine the leaves and feeds on the shoots and fruit of their host. Adults are on the wing in January. Dracophyllum bushes are used as over wintering sites by the adults.
Scythris epistrota is a species of moth in the family Scythrididae first described by Edward Meyrick in 1889. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the South Island. The larvae have been found on species of New Zealand broom and they pupate within an irregularly shaped, dense, silken cocoon. Adults are day flying and are on the wing from November until February.
