Sabatinca aurantissima is a species of moth belonging to the family Micropterigidae.[2][1] This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the Nelson and Buller regions close to the coast and at lower altitudes. In appearance, the larvae has a distinctive pinkish-brown colour and at maturity can reach 8 mm in length. The adults are larger than many endemic species within the Sabatinca genus and have forewings that are highly reflective. These two features ensures it can be distinguished from S. aurella, a related species that is similar in appearance. The larvae feed on bryophytes.
| Sabatinca aurantissima | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Micropterigidae |
| Genus: | Sabatinca |
| Species: | S. aurantissima
|
| Binomial name | |
| Sabatinca aurantissima | |
Taxonomy
editThis species was first described by George Gibbs in 2014.[2] The holotype specimen was collected by Gibbs on the Pororari River track in September and is held in the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.[2]
Description
editThe larvae of this species is coloured a distinctive pinkish-brown and at maturity is 8mm long.[2] Gibbs describes the adult of this species as follows:
A large golden iridescent species with five transverse fasciae on forewing; the basal two magenta, the distal three highly reflective, appearing as if convex above the wing surface.[2]
The wingspan of this moth is approximately 12 to 13mm and is larger in size than many of the other New Zealand endemic species in the Sabatinca genus.[2] This species can be confused with S. aurella but is larger in size and its forewings are more obviously reflective.[2]
Distribution
editS. aurantissima is endemic to New Zealand.[1] This species has only been found in the Nelson and Buller regions relatively close to the coast and at lower altitudes.[2]
Behaviour
editMature larvae have been found during the month of May but have not been discovered during the winter months in New Zealand.[2] This has led to the hypothesis that pupation occurs during or after May.[2] Adults are more frequently seen in September.[2]
Host species and habitat
edit
The larvae of S. aurantissima feed on bryophytes but the specific host plant is unknown.[3][2]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Sabatinca aurantissima Gibbs, 2014". www.nzor.org.nz. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l George W. Gibbs (30 June 2014). "Micropterigidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera)" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 72. Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.72. ISSN 0111-5383. OCLC 917549814. Wikidata Q44902221. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 February 2021.
- ^ Glime, Janice M. (2017). "Chapter 12: Terrestrial Insects: Holometabola – Lepidoptera: Micropterigoidea – Gelechioidea". Bryophyte Ecology. Vol. 2. Michigan Technological University.