Xanthorhoe lophogramma

Xanthorhoe lophogramma is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand. It is classified as "At Risk, Nationally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation.

Xanthorhoe lophogramma
Male
Female
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Hexapoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Geometridae
Genus:	Xanthorhoe
Species:	X. lophogramma
Binomial name
Xanthorhoe lophogramma Meyrick, 1897[1]
Synonyms[2]
Larentia lophogramma (Meyrick, 1897)

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1897 using a specimen collected by George Hudson at Castle Hill.[3][4] Hudson discovered this species in January 1893 and discussed and illustrated it in both his 1898 and 1928 books.[5][6] In 1912 L. B. Prout proposed that the species be moved to the genus Larentia,[7] however this proposal did not gain acceptance.[2] The holotype species is held at the Natural History Museum, London.[3] This species is regarded as having a dubious taxonomic status.[8] At present this species is in an unrevised group and is regarded by some experts as lacking clear diagnostic features and not being distinguishable from X. semifissata.[8] Despite this, it was classified as having a New Zealand Threat Classification status in 2017.[9]

Description

Meyrick described the species as follows:

♂︎ 27 mm. Head and thorax grey-whitish, irrorated with fuscous and black. Anteunal pectinations, a 7, b 8. Forewings with termen slightly waved, oblique ; fuscous-whitish, irrorated with fuscous ; a stria near base, and edge of basal patch dark fuscous, curved ; median band formed by two fasciae of three suffused dark fuscous striae each, outermost blackish, anterior edge curved, posterior edge with a rectangular projection at ​¹⁄₄ from costa and a broader rounded prominence in middle, indentation between these rounded-angular, abrupt ; fifth fascia indicated by a fuscous costal suffusion ; sixth suffusedly fuscous, with a triangular blackish-fuscous spot below apex, edged above with a whitish-ochreous suffusion : cilia fuscous, terminal half obscurely spotted with whitish. Hindwings dull ochreous-yellowish.[4]

Although very similar in appearance to its close relative X. semifissata, Meyrick states it can be distinguished from that species by the distinctive form of the posterior edge of the median band and the less distinct pale striae beyond it.[4] Hudson also points out that the hindwings are dark ochreous in colour and lack the transverse markings of X. semifissata.[6][10]

Distribution

X. lophogramma is endemic to New Zealand.[1][11] It can be found in Marlborough, North Canterbury, Mid Canterbury, Mackenzie and Central Otago areas.[12]

Biology and behaviour

This species prefers lowland habitat of dry beech scrub.[12][6] It is on the wing in January.[5]

Host species and habitat

The host plants for the larvae of this species are unknown but are likely to be low growing herbs in the family Brassicaceae.[12][10]

Conservation status

This species has been classified as having the "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.[9] This species is regarded as being under threat as most of its lowland habitat is now highly modified by introduced plants.[10]

References

1. "Xanthorhoe lophogramma Meyrick, 1897". www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 2018-05-26.
2. Craw, R. C. (2 February 2012). "Revision of the genus Helastia sensu stricto with description of a new genus (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae)". New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 14 (2): 269–293. doi:10.1080/03014223.1987.10422997.
3. Dugdale, J. S. (1988). "Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 14: 191. Retrieved 26 May 2018.
4. Meyrick, Edward (1897). "Descriptions of New Lepidoptera from Australia and New Zealand". Transactions of the Entomological Society of London. 45 (4): 367–390. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2311.1897.tb00976.x – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
5. Hudson, G. V. (1898). New Zealand moths and butterflies (Macro-lepidoptera). London: West, Newman & Co. p. 59. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.7912. Retrieved 26 May 2018.
6. Hudson, G. V. (1928). The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. Wellington: Ferguson & Osborn Ltd. p. 110. OCLC 25449322.
7. Seitz, Adalbert (1900). Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde : eine systematische Bearbeitung der bis jetzt bekannten Gross-Schmetterlinge / von Professor Dr. Adalbert Seitz. 12. Stuttgart: Alfred Kernen. p. 265. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.9400.
8. R.J.B., Hoare; Rhode, B. E.; Emmerson, A. W. (2012). "Larger moths of New Zealand: Image gallery and online guide". Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 2018-05-26.
9. 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: 9.
10. Pawson, S.M.; Emberson, R.M. (2000). "The conservation status of invertebrates in Canterbury" (PDF). Conservation Advisory Science Notes. 320: 1–64.
11. Gordon, Dennis P., ed. (2010). New Zealand inventory of biodiversity. Volume two. Kingdom animalia : chaetognatha, ecdysozoa, ichnofossils. Vol. 2. Christchurch, N.Z.: Canterbury University Press. p. 460. ISBN 9781877257933. OCLC 973607714.
12. Patrick, B. H.; Dugdale, J. S. (2000). "Conservation status of the New Zealand Lepidoptera" (PDF). Science for Conservation. Department of Conservation, New Zealand. 136: 33. ISSN 1173-2946.