Asaphodes abrogata
Asaphodes abrogata is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in the South Island. This species is inhabits open country from sea level up to over 5000 ft but have been observed commonly at altitudes of between 2000 and 4000 ft. Larvae have been reared on Plantago species including Plantago coronopus. Adults are on the wing between February and April. It has been recommended that Plantago raoulii be planted to attracted this species.
Taxonomy
This species was first described by Francis Walker in 1862 and named Aspilates abrogata, using a specimen collected by P. Earl in Waikouaiti. In 1883 Edward Meyrick placed this species in the Thyone genus and synonymised Fidonia servularia with this species. He discussed this placement and the species in 1884. In 1885 Meyrick replaced the genus name Thyone with Asaphodes. He explained in 1886 that when naming several new genera he had used names that had already been employed and that he had to correct this error. As such he renamed the genus Thyone with the name Asaphodes. In 1898 George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species under the name Asaphodes abrogata. Hudson did the same again in his 1928 publication The butterflies and moths of New Zealand. In 1971 John S. Dugdale confirmed the placement of this species in the genus Asaphodes. In 1988 Dugdale again confirmed this placement in his catalogue of New Zealand Lepidoptera. The holotype of this species is held at the Natural [History Museum, London].Description
Walker described the species as follows:Hudson described this species as follows:
The brown markings on the forewings of this species are variable and there is sometimes a transverse line near the base of the forewings.