Apoctena orthocopa explained

Apoctena orthocopa, also known as striped ponga leaf-tyer, is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae. It is endemic to New Zealand, where it is found only on the North Island.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1924 and named Tortrix orthocopa.^[1] The specimens used by Meyrick were collected by George Hudson in Wellington in January.

Description

The larvae of this species are pale green with a brown head and when mature are up to 20 mm in length.^[2]

Meyrick described the adults of this species as follows:

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North Island.

Behaviour

The larva of this species fold the fronds of its host and tie them with silk creating a shelter in which to hide. The adult of this species is on the wing from January to March.

Host plant

The larvae feed on Cyathea species including the silver fern.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Meyrick. Edward. Edward Meyrick. 1924. Descriptions of New Zealand Lepidoptera.. Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 55. 661–662. Biodiversity Heritage Library.
2. 26.
3. Dugdale. J.S.. July 1990. Reassessment of Ctenopseustis Meyrick and Planotortrix Dugdale with descriptions of two new genera (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). New Zealand Journal of Zoology. en. 17. 3. 437–465. 10.1080/03014223.1990.10422943. 0301-4223.