Ichneutica eris is a moth of the family Noctuidae.[1] It is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in alpine habitat in the South Island and is on the wing from November to February. The species is attracted to light.
| Ichneutica eris | |
|---|---|
| |
| male | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Superfamily: | Noctuoidea |
| Family: | Noctuidae |
| Genus: | Ichneutica |
| Species: | I. eris
|
| Binomial name | |
| Ichneutica eris Hoare, 2019
| |
Taxonomy
editThis species was first described by Robert Hoare in 2019.[2] The holotype specimen was collected near the Homer Tunnel by John Salmon in 1946.[1] I. eris was named in honour of Eris in light of the difficulty of the confusion this species has caused lepidopterists.[1]
Description
editAdults of this species are brownish-grey in colour, with whitish markings on the forewings as well as greyish dots along the forewing edge.[1] The hindwings are grey in colour.[1] The wingspan range for the male of the species is between 37 and 46 mm, and for the female is between 43 and 51 mm.[1]
This species is similar in appearance to both I. cana and I. fibriata.[1]
Habitat and geographic range
editThis species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found throughout the South Island in alpine habitat.[1] This species overlaps with the range of I. cana although it appears to be more restricted in range than that species.[1] However, I. eris can be found in the mountains surrounding Nelson, whereas I. cana is not present in that locality.[1]
Life history
editLittle is known of the life history of this species.[1] However, it is possible that the larvae exist on short alpine grasses and pupate on bare soil.[1]
Behaviour
editAdults of this species are on the wing from November to February.[1] This species also appears to be attracted to light.[3]
References
edit
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Hoare, Robert J. B. (9 December 2019). "Noctuinae (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) part 2: Nivetica, Ichneutica" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 80. Illustrator: Birgit E. Rhode: 1–455. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.80. ISSN 0111-5383. Wikidata Q94481265. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 April 2021.
- ^ "Ichneutica eris". nztcs.org.nz. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
- ^ "Ichneutica eris". iNaturalist. 22 February 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.