Pseudocoremia productata
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Pseudocoremia productata | |
|---|---|
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| Female | |
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| Male | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Geometridae |
| Genus: | Pseudocoremia |
| Species: | P. productata |
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudocoremia productata (Walker, 1862) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Pseudocoremia productata was first described by Walker[1] as Larentia productata.[2] The species has previously been referred to as "The Rata Moth"[3] or the "Brown Forest Moth".[4] It is now commonly known as the "Brown Forest Flash".[5] The genus would later be categorised as Selidosema[6] before Walker redescribed the species as Pseudocoremia productata in 1862. This species of endemic moth belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as geometer moths[7]or inchworms.[8] Many species within this family are well camouflaged to resemble twigs, dead leaves, or tree bark.[9]
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Adult Pseudocoremia productata are sexually dimorphic and are identifiable by their wings, antennae, and external genitalic characteristics.[10] Its name "Brown Forest Flash"[4] is associated with the flashing of its pale hind wings when flying and the ability to conceal itself on forest tree trunks.[11] This characteristic is known as "Protective Resemblance".[6] It is a term that describes colour or forms that allow a species to closely resemble its surroundings to escape the notice of its natural enemies.[6]
Females have pectinate antennae, which are comb-like filiform structures.[10] In contrast, males have bipectinate antennae where comb-like structures are present on both sides of the main shaft.[10] Their heads display short palpi which aid in taste and touch, "projecting a short distance in front of the eyes".[12] The posterior margins of the abdomen are segments and possess lateral tufts.[12] In females, the ovipositor tip extends past the distal abdomen.[10]
A male's wingspan can reach up to 1+3⁄8 inches (35 mm) whereas a female's wingspan may reach 1+1⁄8 inches (29 mm).[6] The forewings have distinctive wavy patterns that "vary from pale yellowish-brown to rich chocolate brown".[6] During resting state, the hind-wings tuck under the forewings allowing this moth to be undetectable due to its patterns and colours.[6] Its predominant colours are dark reddish-brown, mottled with patches of creamy white and pale green and scattered isolated hairs.[6] The patterns feature two curved lines near the base, with a lighter stripe enclosed between them. A wide, dark central area is followed by a wavy pale line formed by a light irregular band composed of two partially disconnected patches, one on the leading front edge of the wing and the other on the trailing edge of the wing. Additionally, a jagged, whitish transverse line is present near the termen and curves toward the dorsum.[6] Patterns typically include several dark streaks that stand out against the ground colour and in some females, cloudy white patches may be present on forewings.[4] Hindwings are ochreous and display mottled greyish browns.[6]
Range
Natural global range
Pseudocoremia productata is endemic to New Zealand and is distributed along both the North and Sound islands including Stewart Island.[4] This moth appears from October till May[6] making it abundant during summer, though it can be recorded all year round.[13] Collectors have noted that this species is attracted to light in mature sites.[7]
New Zealand range
Pseudocoremia productata is widespread across New Zealand and has been recorded across many locations. Patrick (1997) reported the species on Codfish Island.[14] White et al. (2002) documented its presence in the Waimakariri Basin.[10] Patrick (2004) recorded it at several sites, including Lake Ferry, Humenga Point, Cape Palliser and Te Kaukau.[15] Patrick et al. (2011) observed the moth at Ahuriri Scenic Reserve, Onawe Peninsula and Hinewai reserve.[16] Toft (2014) recorded P. productata at Macgregor Creek and Robinson Slip.[17]
