Dasyuris octans

Dasyuris octans is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This moth is classified as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by George Hudson in 1923 using a specimen discovered by Stewart Lindsay in the Hunter Mountains near Lake Manapouri at 4000 ft. Hudson described and illustrated the species in his 1928 publication The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. The lectotype is held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Description

Hudson described the species as follows:
This species can be mistaken for Dasyuris hectori but can be distinguished from that species as D. octans is smaller, much narrower and has a more orange-ocherous tint.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. Along with the type locality, this species has been collected at Homer, as well as at the Rahine Range, Kaikōura Ranges, Jack's Pass in Hanmer, Porters Pass, Mount Cook, Macetown, Vanguard Peak and Advance Peak in Otago, Kepler Mountains and Eglinton Valley at Milford Sound.

Biology and life cycle

This species is on the wing in December. It is a day flying moth.

Host plant and habitat

Charles E. Clarke notes he captured specimens flying over lichen covered rocks in native grass and herb habitat.

Conservation status

This moth is classified under the New Zealand Threat Classification system as being "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon".