Atomotricha chloronota explained

Atomotricha chloronota is a moth in the family Oecophoridae first described by Edward Meyrick in 1914. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the eastern side of the South Island and at the Antipodes Islands. It inhabits clearings with native tussocks and ferns. The larvae feed on leaf litter from silk tunnels in soil. The male adults of this species are on the wing from July to September and have been trapped via sugar traps and are attracted to light. The female of this species is brachypterous.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1914 using three specimens collected by Alfred Philpott in Invercargill.[1] [2] George Hudson discussed this species in his 1928 book The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. He went on to illustrate the male of the species in the 1939 supplement to that publication.[3] The male lectotype specimen, collected in Invercargill, is held at the Natural History Museum, London.

Description

Meyrick described this species as follows:

The male of this species resembles Atomotricha versuta.[4] The female of this species are brachypterous. The species in the Antipodes Islands are smaller and duller in appearance.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand.[5] [6] It is found on the eastern side of the South Island as well as at the Antipodes Islands.

Habitat

This species inhabits clearings with tussocks and ferns.

Behaviour

The male adults of this species are nocturnal and have been observed on the wing from July to September.[7] This species has been trapped via sugar traps. The adult moths are attracted to light.[8]

Hosts

The larvae of this species form silk tunnels in the soil and then feed on leaf litter.[9]

Notes and References

  1. 90.
  2. 110.
  3. 451, Plate LIX.
  4. 288.
  5. 462.
  6. Web site: Atomotricha chloronota Meyrick, 1914 . 2022-04-30 . www.nzor.org.nz.
  7. Web site: Atomotricha chloronota . 2023-04-24 . iNaturalist . en.
  8. Web site: Possums End . 2020-09-01 . Atomotricha chloronota . 2023-04-24 . iNaturalist . en.
  9. Web site: 2011 . Atomotricha chloronota Meyrick, 1914 . 25 April 2023 . plant-synz.landcareresearch.co.nz.