Atomotricha versuta


Atomotricha versuta is a moth in the family Oecophoridae first described by Edward Meyrick in 1914. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in both the North and South Islands. The adults of the species are variable in appearance but the three principal variteis are connected b intermediate forms. The female of the species is brachypterous and is incapable of flight. Both the adult male and female have been observed resting on fences during cold winter nights.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1914 using 8 specimens collected in August in Karori by George Hudson. 1n 1927 Alfred Philpott studied the male genitalia of this species. Philpott commended that the male genitalia of A. versuta was indistinguishable from that of A. chloronota and A. sordida and as such he hypothesised that these three species may form one widely distributed species. Hudson discussed and illustrated this species in his 1928 book The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. The male lectotype specimen is held at the Natural History Museum, London.

Description

Meyrick described this species as follows:
The female of the species is brachypterous and is incapable of flight. Hudson when discussing this species explained that there are three principal varieties connected by intermediate forms. Hudson describes these forms as follows:

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. It has been observed in the southern parts of the North Island and in the South Island.

Behaviour

Adults have been observed in August to October. Both the female and the male of the species can be found on cold winter nights resting on fences.