Lathicrossa prophetica explained

Lathicrossa prophetica is a species of moth of the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been found in both the North and South Islands. This species inhabits sub-alpine native forest and adults are on the wing in January. It is classified as "Data Deficient" by the Department of Conservation.

Taxonomy

This species was described by Edward Meyrick in 1927 using a specimen collected by Selwyn Woodward at Mount Arthur in the Nelson district in January.[1] [2] George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species in his 1928 publication The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand.[3] The male holotype specimen is held at the Natural History Museum, London.

Description

Meyrick described the species as follows:

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand.[4] Other than the type locality, it has been collected at Karori in Wellington, Lake Rotoroa and at Karamea Bluffs on the West Coast.[5]

Biology and behaviour

The adults of this species is on the wing in January.

Habitat

The holotype specimen was collected at approximately 1050m above sea-level. This species frequents sub-alpine forest.

Conservation status

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

Notes and References

  1. Meyrick . E. . Descriptions of New Zealand Lepidoptera. . Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute . 1927 . 57 . 697–702 . 2 June 2018.
  2. Dugdale. J. S.. 1988. Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa. Fauna of New Zealand. 14. 131. 1 June 2018. 27 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190127012448/https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/26324/FNZ14Dugdale1988.pdf. dead.
  3. Book: Hudson, G. V.. The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. Ferguson & Osborn Ltd.. 1928. Wellington. 293. 25449322. George Hudson (entomologist).
  4. Web site: Lathicrossa prophetica Meyrick, 1927. www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. 2018-06-02.
  5. Web site: NZTCS Lepidoptera Spreadsheet. www.doc.govt.nz. 2 June 2018.
  6. 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.