Species of moth, endemic to New Zealand
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"Scoparia molifera", also known as the leather-leaf Scoparia, is a species of moth of the family Crambidae. This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1926 and is endemic to New Zealand. It can be found in the North and South Islands. The larvae of this species make silk tunnels from which they mine the leaves of their host, the leather-leaf fern "Pyrrosia eleagnifolia". Adult moths are on wing from December to February and are attracted to light.
Taxonomy.
This species was described by Edward Meyrick in 1926 using a specimen collected by George Hudson on the banks of the Manawatu River in Ashhurst and named "Scoparia molifera". Hudson discussed and illustrated this species in his 1928 book "The butterflies and moths of New Zealand". John S. Dugdale discussed this species under the name "S. molifera" in his 1988 catalogue of New Zealand Lepidoptera. However the placement of this species within the genus "Scoparia" is in doubt. As a result, this species has also been referred to as "Scoparia" (s.l.) "molifera". The female holotype specimen is held at the Natural History Museum, London.
Description.
When mature, the larva of "S. molifera" are approximately 20 mm long and are spotted.
Meyrick described the adult male of this species as follows:
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Distribution.
This species is endemic to New Zealand. This species can be found in the North and South Islands and has been collected at Cape Palliser in the Wellington Region, in the Canterbury Region including the Banks Peninsula, in the Otago Region and in The Catlins.
Behaviour.
The larvae of this species make silk tunnels from which they mine the leaves of their host. Larvae do not camouflage their feeding damage. The larvae pupate within these tunnels surrounded by the silk, mined leaves, and frass. The larvae can be found from June to August. Adults have been recorded on wing from December to February. Adults are attracted to light.
Host species.
The larval host of this species is the leather-leaf fern "Pyrrosia eleagnifolia".
References.
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