Trachypepla festiva explained

Trachypepla festiva is a moth of the family Oecophoridae and was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1930. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been collected in the northern parts of the North Island.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1930. In 1939 George Hudson discussed and illustrated T. festiva in his book A supplement to the butterflies and moths of New Zealand. Hudson also synonymised T. polyleuca with this species. The male holotype, collected by C. E. Clarke at Whangārei Falls, is held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.[1] It has been hypothesised that this species is possibly a form of T. conspiculella.[2]

Description

This species was described by Philpott as follows:

The adults of this species imitates bird droppings but it differs from other species in its genus as it has detailed markings on the forewings.[3]

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been collected in Leigh, North Auckland, and Whangārei.[4]

Behaviour

Adults of this species are on the wing from November until January.

Notes and References

  1. 106.
  2. Web site: Trachypepla festiva Philpott, 1930 - Biota of NZ . 2022-07-26 . biotanz.landcareresearch.co.nz.
  3. 449.
  4. Web site: Trachypepla festiva Philpott, 1930 . 2022-07-26 . www.nzor.org.nz.