Epyaxa rosearia explained

Epyaxa rosearia, the New Zealand looper or plantain moth,^{[1] [2]} is a moth of the family Geometridae.^[3] It is endemic to New Zealand.

Taxonomy

E. rosearia was first described by Edward Doubleday in 1843 and named Cidaria rosearia.^{[4] [5]}

Description

The eggs of this species are pale yellow and oval with a smooth shell.^[6]

Alex Purdie describes the caterpillar of this species as: The caterpillars form a chrysalis that is glossy and very dark brownish black. They can be found amongst the leaves of the forest floor. E. rosearia adults are varied in appearance. They can have a pinkish tinge or can be brownish in hue although olive green is also common.^[7]

Distribution

E. rosearia are very common throughout New Zealand.

Host species

While it is endemic to New Zealand,^[8] the larvae have so far only been recorded feeding on exotic plant species: Nasturtium officinale, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium ambiguum, Trifolium repens and Tropaeolum majus.^[9] The larvae also seem to feed on the leaves of Trifolium caucasicum.

Interaction with humans

A recent study suggests this moth may be assisting with the pollination of avocado trees.

Notes and References

1. Edlin, Bob (20 April 2014). "North Island farmers report bumper summer for native plantain moth". AgScience. New Zealand Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
2. http://agpest.co.nz/?pesttypes=plantain-moth "Plantain moth"
3. 180.
4. Web site: Cidaria rosearia Doubleday, 1843. New Zealand Organisms Register . Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd . 15 January 2018.
5. Book: Dieffenbach, E.. Travels in New Zealand: With Contributions to the Geography, Geology, Botany and Natural History of the Country . John Murray. 1843 . 2. London. 285. List of Annulose Animals hitherto recorded as found in New Zealand with descriptions of some new species by Messrs. Adam White and Edward Doubleday.
6. Purdie. A.. 1885. Life History of Epyaxa rosearia, Dbld.. Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute . 18. 208–209. Biodiversity Heritage Library.
7. Book: Hoare, Robert J. B.. A Photographic Guide to Moths & Butterflies of New Zealand. New Holland Publishers (NZ) Ltd.. Ball, Olivier. 2014. 9781869663995. Auckland. 95. 891672034.
8. Web site: Epyaxa rosearia (Doubleday, 1843). New Zealand Organisms Register . Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd . 14 January 2018.
9. Web site: PlantSynz - Invertebrate herbivore biodiversity assessment tool: Database . 2011. Plant-SyNZ . Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd . 14 January 2018.