Aletia dentata

Aletia dentata
Female
Male
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Noctuidae
Subfamily: Hadeninae
Genus: Aletia
Species: A. dentata
Binomial name
Aletia dentata
Synonyms

    Aletia dentata is a moth in the Noctuidae family. It is endemic to New Zealand.

    Taxonomy

    The species was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1923.[2] George Hudson in The Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand treated A. dentata as a synonym of Aletia cuneata.[3] Philpott argued against this. Philpott was of the opinion that A. dentata was a separate species as it was darker and smaller than A. cuneata. However he felt unable to confirm this through genitalia examination as no male specimens were available at that time.[4]

    The genus level classification of New Zealand endemic moths within the Aletia genus is regarded as unsatisfactory and is under revision.[5] It is likely that this species will be removed from the genus Aletia and be placed within one of the following genera: Physetica, Graphania, Tmetolophota or Ichneutica.[5] As such the species is currently also known as Aletia (s.l.) dentata.[1]

    Description

    Philpott reported that the species had a 34-36mm wingspan.[2] He described the species as being similar to Aletia cuneata but distinguishable as A. dentata has darker colouring and ochreous cilia on its hind wings.[2]

    Distribution

    A. dentata was discovered by J. G. Myers at Tongariro, in the North Island of New Zealand.[2] Myers observed the species resting on rocks during the day as well as deceased specimens within a tramping hut.[2]

    Ecology and habitat

    Adults can be active during the day and frequent montane and alpine areas.[2]

    References

    1. 1 2 "Aletia dentata Philpott, 1923". www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 2017-12-20.
    2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Philpott, Alfred (1923). "Notes and descriptions of New Zealand Lepidoptera". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 54: 148–154 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
    3. ↑ Hudson, G. V. (1928). The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. Wellington: Ferguson & Osborn Ltd. pp. 56–57.
    4. ↑ Philpott, Alfred (1928). "Notes and descriptions of New Zealand Lepidoptera" (PDF). Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 59: 481–490. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
    5. 1 2 Hoare, R.J.B.; Rhode, B.E.; Emmerson, A.W. (March 2012). "Larger moths of New Zealand: Image gallery and online guide". www.landcareresearch.co.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
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