Notoreas blax
| Notoreas blax | |
|---|---|
| File:Notoreas blax female.jpg | |
| Female | |
| File:Notoreas blax male.jpg | |
| Male | |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Geometridae |
| Genus: | Notoreas |
| Species: | N. blax
|
| Binomial name | |
| Notoreas blax | |
Notoreas blax is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. This moth frequents alpine habitat and can be found in the Canterbury and Otago regions.
Taxonomy
[edit | edit source]This species was described by Louis Beethoven Prout in 1939 using material collected by George Howes at Bold Peak, Humboldt Range.[2][1] In 1986 R. C. Craw reviewed the genus Notoreas and confirmed the inclusion of N. blax within it.[3] The holotype specimen of this species is held at the Natural History Museum, London.[1]
Description
[edit | edit source]This species has a wingspan of between 20 – 22 mm and is similar in appearance to N. atmogramma.[2] However it is paler on the upper side of its wings and is slightly less brown than a typical N. atmogramma.[2]
Distribution
[edit | edit source]This species is endemic to New Zealand.[4][5] It is found in West Otago localities in the high alpine zone of mountain ranges.[6] It has also been found in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park also in the high alpine zone of that park.[7]
Biology and behaviour
[edit | edit source]This species is a day flying moth.[6] It is on the wing in February.[2] Adult moths, when settled, continue to vibrate their wings ensuring they are immediately ready to take off should they be disturbed.[8] Although they prefer sunshine they will continue to fly when conditions are cloudy.[8] They fly relatively low to the ground.[8] When resting for long periods they adopt the posture of holding their wings together above their body.[8]
Habitat and host species
[edit | edit source]This species frequents alpine habitat.[6] The larvae of this species feed on dwarf shrubs of Kelleria species including Kelleria croizatii.[6][7]
References
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