Tmetolophota steropastis

Tmetolophota steropastis
Female
Male
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Noctuidae
Genus: Tmetolophota
Species: T. steropastis
Binomial name
Tmetolophota steropastis
(Meyrick, 1887)
Synonyms
  • Mamestra steropastis Meyrick, 1887
  • Persectania steropastis (Meyrick, 1887)

Tmetolophota steropastis, or the flax notcher moth, is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. New Zealand flax is the host plant for the larvae of this moth. The damage the larvae cause to the leaves ensures that they cannot be used for weaving.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1887 as Mamestra steropastis.[1][2]

Description

Larvae of this species have dark and light horizontal stripes.[1] The adults have a forewing length of 16 - 20mm.[3]

Distribution

T. steropastis is endemic to New Zealand.[4] It is common and can be found throughout the country.[3]

Habitat and host plant

"Notch" formed from larvae damage to Phormium tenax.

The larvae of T. steropastis consume the leaves of the New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax).[5]

Interactions with humans

The larvae of this species is regarded as a pest as it chews distinctive notches in the sides of the flax leaves. This damage ensures the leaf cannot be used in weaving.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 Meyrick, Edward (1887). "Monograph of New Zealand Noctuina". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 19: 3–40 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  2. ↑ Dugdale, J. S. (1988). "Lepidoptera - annotated catalogue, and keys to family-group taxa" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 14: 210 – via Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd.
  3. 1 2 Hoare, Robert J. B. (2014). A photographic guide to moths & butterflies of New Zealand. Ball, Olivier. Auckland: New Holland Publishers (NZ) Ltd. p. 130. ISBN 9781869663995. OCLC 891672034.
  4. ↑ "Tmetolophota steropastis (Meyrick, 1887)". www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 2017-07-04.
  5. 1 2 "Insect pests and diseases". www.landcareresearch.co.nz. Manaaki Whenua Landcare Resarch. Retrieved 25 August 2018.


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