Chersadaula


Chersadaula ochrogastra is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is the only species in the genus Chersadaula. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is classified as "Data Deficient" by the Department of Conservation.

Taxonomy

This species was described by Edward Meyrick in 1923 from specimens obtained by George Hudson at Breaker Bay in Wellington. Hudson found larvae of the species in September and raised them to adulthood in November. Hudson discussed and illustrated this species in his 1928 publication The Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand. The lectotype is held at the Natural History Museum, London.
There is one undescribed species in the same genus, but otherwise the genus is monotypic.

Description

The eggs of this species are white and approximately 3mm in length, and cylindrical in shape although slightly broader at one end.
The larvae, when fully grown, are approximately 2 cm long and are cylinder shaped with a tapered end. The head is bright yellowish-brown, the first part of the larva is yellowish-white, then tinged with black, then whitish with irregular tinges of chocolate brown.
Meyrick described the adult moths of the species as follows:

Distribution

It is endemic to New Zealand. It has been found in the North Island. However this species has not been collected since 1923.

Biology and behaviour

Larvae have been found under stones. Adults emerge in early November. The adult female of this species has noticeable wing reduction and is incapable of flight.

Host species and habitat

The female adult moths place their eggs indiscriminately and they are not attached to anything. The larvae of this moth live in silken cocoons in the earth and feed on grass roots. The preferred habitat of the larvae of this species is along the sea-coast, about three metres above the high tide mark.

Conservation status

This species has been classified as having the "Data Deficient" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.