Asaphodes beata
Asaphodes beata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is a relatively common species that can be found throughout the country in native forest or scrub habitat, mainly observed in clearings. It can be distinguished from its close relative Asaphodes adonis by the colour of its hindwings. The larvae of this species feeds on watercress but tends to be inactive during the day. If threatened it will mimic a twig dropping to the ground. The adult moths are on the wing commonly from October to March but have been observed in all months of the year. Adults are said to be attracted to white rātā. The white markings on the forewing of the adults are variable in appearance.
Taxonomy
This species was first described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1877 as Cidaria beata using a specimen from the collection of J. D. Enys. In 1884 Edward Meyrick placed this species in the genus Larentia. George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species both in his 1898 book under the name Xanthorhoe beata and again in his 1928 publication under the name Xanthorhoe benedicata. In 1927 Louis Beethoven Prout synonymised Xanthorhoe benedicta with Xanthorhoe beata. In 1939 Prout placed this species back in the genus Larentia. However this placement was not accepted by New Zealand taxonomists. In 1971 John S. Dugdale placed this species in the genus Asaphodes. This placement was affirmed by Dugdale in 1988. The male holotype specimen, likely collected at Castle Hill in mid Canterbury, is held at the Natural [History Museum, London].Description
Hudson described the egg of this moth as being:He described the larvae as:
The larva forms a frail cocoon on the ground in which it pupates.
Butler originally described the adults of this species as follows:
This species can be distinguished from its close relative A. adonis by the colour of its hindwings. Hudson states that the white markings on the forewings of this moth are variable. It is also very similar in appearance to A. philpotti, to the point where A. philpotti was previously encapsulated within the concept of this species. However A. beata has black marks inside the white discal spots on the forewings which A. philpotti lacks. A. philpotti also distributed in more southerly locations.