Epichorista tenebrosa explained

Epichorista tenebrosa is a species of moth in the family Tortricidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in Otago and has been collected in tussock grassland habitats. It is a late autumn emerging moth and adults are on the wing in February. It is classified as "At Risk, Relict'" by the Department of Conservation.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1917 from a specimen collected at Ben Lomond by Charles E. Clarke in February.[1] George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species in his 1928 book The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand.[2] The genus level classification of New Zealand endemic moths within Epichorista is regarded as unsatisfactory and is under revision.[3] As such this species is currently also known as Epichorista (s.l.) tenebrosa.[4] The type specimen is held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.[5]

Description

Philpott described the species as follows:

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand.[6] It is found in the Otago. As well as its type locality, this species has also been found in Naseby State Forest, at Roaring Meg and South Rough Ridge Hill.[7]

Behaviour

This species is a late autumn emerging moth.[8] It is on the wing in February.

Habitat

Hudson noted that the type specimen was found at an altitude of 4000 ft in tussock grasslands. The species has subsequently been collected from similar habitat.

Conservation status

This moth is classified under the New Zealand Threat Classification system as being "At Risk, Relict".[9]

Notes and References

  1. Philpott. A.. Descriptions of new species of Lepidoptera.. Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 1917. 49. 239–245. 17 May 2018. en.
  2. Book: Hudson, G. V.. The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. Ferguson & Osborn Ltd.. 1928. Wellington. 237. 25449322. George Hudson (entomologist).
  3. Patrick. Brian. 2014-12-01. Conservation status of five data deficient moth taxa: Epichorista lindsayi, "Cnephasia" paterna, Stathmopoda endotherma, Gymnobathra ambigua and Scythris "stripe". The Weta. en. 48. 15–34. 2018-05-17. 2018-05-04. https://web.archive.org/web/20180504155557/http://publications.ento.org.nz/index.php/weta/article/view/51. dead.
  4. Web site: Epichorista tenebrosa Philpott, 1917. www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. 2018-05-17.
  5. Dugdale. J. S.. 1988. Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa. Fauna of New Zealand. 14. 123. 16 May 2018. 27 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190127012006/https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/49008/FNZ14Dugdale1988150.pdf. dead.
  6. 464.
  7. Barratt. B. I. P.. Patrick. B. H.. Insects of snow tussock grassland on the East Otago Plateau. New Zealand Entomologist. 1987. 10. 1. 69–98. 10.1080/00779962.1987.9722513. 17 May 2018.
  8. Web site: Lammermoor Windfarm Decision. 2009. www.qldc.govt.nz. Environment Court of New Zealand. 17 May 2018. 31 January 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180131190700/http://www.qldc.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Planning/District-Plan/Hearings-Page/Hearing-Stream-2/Evidence-Presented-at-Hearing/S0430-Ayrburn-Farm-Estate-T02-HillR-Casebook-2-of-3.pdf. dead.
  9. Book: Conservation status of New Zealand butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), 2015. Hoare. R.J.B.. Dugdale. J.S.. Edwards. E.D.. Gibbs. G.W.. Patrick. B.H.. Hitchmough. R.A.. Rolfe. J.R.. New Zealand Department of Conservation. 2017. 9781988514383. Wellington, New Zealand. 8.

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