Helastia angusta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Helastia angusta |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Male | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Subphylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: |
Helastia
|
| Species: |
H. angusta
|
| Binomial name | |
| Helastia angusta Craw, 1987
|
|
Helastia angusta is a moth of the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is classified as "At Risk, Relict'" by the Department of Conservation.
Taxonomy
This species was first described by Robin C. Craw in 1987 using a specimen collected by John S. Dugdale at Moke Lake. The holotype specimen is held at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.
Description
Craw described the species as follows:
Medium sized (r.f.l. 13.5-14.1 mm) narrowly falcate forewing. Upperside forewing coloured whitish purplish brown with darker transverse basal, antemedial and postmedial lines; oblique purplish brown apical streak. Postmedial line with distinct double toothed median projection; basal line evenly curved, no angular projection. Male antennae ciliated.
Although similar in appearance to its relative H. expolita, H.angusta can be distinguished by its narrower forewing and the more rounded appearance of its underside basal line.
Distribution
This species is endemic to New Zealand. It occurs in the Otago Lakes and Mackenzie areas.
Host species and habitat
The host species for the larvae of H. angusta is unknown but it has been hypothesised it may be a shrub species. Moth species closely related to H. angusta have larvae that feed Helichrysum lanceolatum.
Conservation status
This moth is classified under the New Zealand Threat Classification system as being "At Risk, Relict".
