Hierodoris polita

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Hierodoris polita
LEPI Oecophoridae Hierodoris polita.png
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Oecophoridae
Genus:
Hierodoris
Species:
H. polita
Binomial name
Hierodoris polita
, 2005[1]

Hierodoris polita is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species is classified as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation.

Taxonomy[]

This species was first described by in 2005 and named Hierodoris polita.[1] Prior to its scientific description H. polita was known as H. ‘silver banded’.[2] The holotype specimen, which was collected by John S. Dugdale at Craig Flat, Clutha Valley on 16 March 1986, is held at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.[2]

Description[]

The wingspan of the male of the species is between 11-14.5 mm and the female is between 12.5-13.5 mm.[2]

H. polita is very similar in appearance to its close relatives and H. extensilis.[3] It can be distinguished from H. frigida as H. polita lacks the all-yellow segment 2 of the labial palp as well as the yellowish white spot that H. frigida has on its costa.[2] H. polita has white scales on the posterior part of the tegulae where as H. frigida has a dark tegulae.[2] H. polita also has a white transverse band on the forewing that H. frigida lacks.[2]

H. polita can be distinguished from H. extensilis as the later has a white base to the hindwing whereas H. polita has a bronzy base.[3] The exterior surface of the labial palpi of H. extensilis is white-scaled whereas H. polita is dark-scaled.[3] H. polita also has a transverse white forewing fascia which both H. extensilis and H. frigida lack.[3]

Distribution[]

This species is endemic to New Zealand.[1][4] It can only be found in the South Island in the Central Otago and Dunedin areas.[2] H. polita is classified as range restricted indicating its local distribution.[5]

Biology and behaviour[]

Although larvae of this species have not been conclusively identified, a likely specimen was collected in leaf litter consisting of detritus of .[2] It has therefore been hypothesised that the larvae of H. polita is a detritivore.[2] The species has been found on the wing in October, November, and January to March.[2]

Habitat and host species[]

This species is known to prefer open habitat and has so far mainly been collected at south-facing rocky bluffs upon which grow species of Grimmia moss.[2]

Conservation Status[]

This species has been classified as having the "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.[5]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Hierodoris polita Hoare, 2005". www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k Hoare, R. J. B. (2005). "Hierodoris (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Oecophoridae), and overview of Oecophoridae" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 54: 1–102. ISBN 0478093780.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Hoare, R. J. B. (March 2012). "A new species of Hierodoris Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) with a telescopic ovipositor, from granite sand plains in Fiordland". New Zealand Entomologist. 35 (1): 51–57. doi:10.1080/00779962.2012.651776. S2CID 86515751.(subscription required)
  4. ^ Gordon, Dennis P., ed. (2010). New Zealand inventory of biodiversity. 2. p. 462. ISBN 978-1-877257-93-3. OCLC 973607714. OL 25288394M. Wikidata Q45922947.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b 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" (PDF). New Zealand Threat Classification Series. 20: 8.


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