Proteodes melographa explained

Proteodes melographa is a species of moth in the family Depressariidae.[1] It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed at Mount Arthur and in the Nelson District. It inhabits forest in the alpine zone. The larvae of this species feeds on native beech trees.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1927 using a specimen collected at Mount Arthur at 4000 ft in January by Selwyn Woodward.[2] In 1936 Meyrick synonymised Proteodes varia with P. melographa.[3] The male holotype specimen is held in the Natural History Museum, London.

Description

Meyrick described this species as follows:

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the Nelson/Tasman districts.[4]

Behaviour

This species is on the wing in January.

Habitat and host species

The species can be found in alpine habitats at the limit of forest growth.[5] The larvae of this moth feeds on native beech trees.[6]

Notes and References

  1. 88.
  2. 700-701.
  3. 283.
  4. Web site: Proteodes melographa Meyrick, 1927. 2021-11-09. www.nzor.org.nz.
  5. 292.
  6. Web site: Proteodes melographa Meyrick, 1927 . 2021-11-10. plant-synz.landcareresearch.co.nz.