Biology:Ctenopseustis filicis

Short description: Species of moth

Ctenopseustis filicis
Male holotype
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Tortricidae
Genus:	Ctenopseustis
Species:	C. filicis
Binomial name
Ctenopseustis filicis Dugdale, 1990

Ctenopseustis filicis, also known as ginger ponga leaf-tyer, is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the South and Stewart Islands.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by John Stewart Dugdale in 1990. The male holotype specimen, collected on the Glory Track at Bluff Hill, is held in the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.

Description

The larva is small and has a brown head. The wingspan of the adult moth is 19–24 mm for males and 22–28 mm for females. Adults are variable in colour but can be described as being orange brown with rust-red or red-brown markings. The hindwings are pale, cream or buff.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found on the South and Stewart Islands.

Habitat and host species

The larvae feed on Dicksonia squarosa, Dicksonia fibrosa, Cyathea colensoi, Cyathea dealbata and Cyathea smithii.

Behaviour

The larvae of this species create a shelter by tying together the fronds of its host species with silk webbing. Larvae can be found all year round hiding in their shelter. The adult moth can be seen all year round but most frequently in October.

Etymology

The species name refers to the host plant and is derived from Latin felix (meaning fern).

References

Wikidata ☰ Q18055660 entry