Gymnobathra rufopunctella explained

Gymnobathra rufopunctella is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. This species is in need of taxonomic revision and probably belongs to a separate genus. It is endemic to New Zealand. It has been classified as Data Deficient by the Department of Conservation.

Taxonomy

This species was first described and illustrated by George Hudson in 1950 using specimens collected by Hudson at Days Bay and Wilton's Bush in Wellington.^[1] ^[2] The lectotype is held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa. The genus level classification of this species is regarded as unsatisfactory.^[3] It is believed that this species closely resembles some members of the Barea group of genera. As a result, the species is currently also known as Gymnobathra (s.l.) rufopunctella.

Description

Hudson described this species as follows:

Distribution

G. rufopunctella is endemic to New Zealand.^[4] ^[5] This species has been collected in Wellington.

Biology and behaviour

The adult moths are on the wing in November and December. The species prefers forest habitat.

Conservation status

This species has been classified as having the "Data Deficient" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.^[6]

External links

Image of holotype

Notes and References

Dugdale. J. S.. 1988. Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa. Fauna of New Zealand. 14. 1–269. 4 June 2018. 0477025188. 27 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190127012448/https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/26324/FNZ14Dugdale1988.pdf. dead.
Book: Hudson, G. V.. Fragments of New Zealand entomology. - a popular account of all New Zealand cicadas. The natural history of the New Zealand glow-worm. A second supplement to the butterflies and moths of New Zealand and notes on many other native insects.. Ferbuson & Osborn Ltd.. 1950. Wellington. 107. George Hudson (entomologist).
Hoare . Robert J. B. . Hierodoris (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Oecophoridae), and overview of Oecophoridae . Fauna of New Zealand . 2005 . 54 . 1–102 . 4 June 2018.
Web site: Gymnobathra rufopunctella Hudson, 1950. www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. 2018-06-04.
462.
Hoare. R.J.B.. Dugdale. J.S.. Edwards. E.D.. Gibbs. G.W.. Patrick. B.H.. Hitchmough. R.A.. Rolfe. J.R.. 2017. Conservation status of New Zealand butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), 2015. New Zealand Threat Classification Series. 20. 5.