Sabatinca aurantissima

Sabatinca aurantissima
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Micropterigidae
Genus:	Sabatinca
Species:	S. aurantissima
Binomial name
	Sabatinca aurantissima; Gibbs, 2014[1]

Sabatinca aurantissima is a species of moth belonging to the family Micropterigidae.[2][1] This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the Nelson and Buller regions close to the coast and at lower altitudes. In appearance, the larvae has a distinctive pinkish-brown colour and at maturity can reach 8 mm in length. The adults are larger than many endemic species within the Sabatinca genus and have forewings that are highly reflective. These two features ensures it can be distinguished from S. aurella, a related species that is similar in appearance. The larvae feed on bryophytes.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by George Gibbs in 2014.[2] The holotype specimen was collected by Gibbs on the Pororari River track in September and is held in the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.[2]

Description

The larvae of this species is coloured a distinctive pinkish-brown and at maturity is 8mm long.[2] Gibbs describes the adult of this species as follows:

A large golden iridescent species with five transverse fasciae on forewing; the basal two magenta, the distal three highly reflective, appearing as if convex above the wing surface.[2]

The wingspan of this moth is approximately 12 to 13mm and is larger in size than many of the other New Zealand endemic species in the Sabatinca genus.[2] This species can be confused with S. aurella but is larger in size and its forewings are more obviously reflective.[2]

Distribution

S. aurantissima is endemic to New Zealand.[1] This species has only been found in the Nelson and Buller regions relatively close to the coast and at lower altitudes.[2]

Behaviour

Mature larvae have been found during the month of May but have not been discovered during the winter months in New Zealand.[2] This has led to the hypothesis that pupation occurs during or after May.[2] Adults are more frequently seen in September.[2]

Host species and habitat

Pororari River, the type locality of this species

The larvae of S. aurantissima feed on bryophytes but the specific host plant is unknown.[3][2]

References

"Sabatinca aurantissima Gibbs, 2014". www.nzor.org.nz. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
George W. Gibbs (30 June 2014). "Micropterigidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera)" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. 72. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.72. ISSN 0111-5383. OCLC 917549814. Wikidata Q44902221. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 February 2021.
Glime, Janice M. (2017). "Chapter 12: Terrestrial Insects: Holometabola – Lepidoptera: Micropterigoidea – Gelechioidea". Bryophyte Ecology. Vol. 2. Michigan Technological University.

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[NZOR-1] "Sabatinca aurantissima Gibbs, 2014". www.nzor.org.nz. Retrieved 2021-11-04.

[Gibbs2014-2] George W. Gibbs (30 June 2014). "Micropterigidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera)" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. 72. doi:10.7931/J2/FNZ.72. ISSN 0111-5383. OCLC 917549814. Wikidata Q44902221. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 February 2021.

[3] Glime, Janice M. (2017). "Chapter 12: Terrestrial Insects: Holometabola – Lepidoptera: Micropterigoidea – Gelechioidea". Bryophyte Ecology. Vol. 2. Michigan Technological University.