Epichorista tenebrosa

Epichorista tenebrosa is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is found only in Central Otago and has been collected in tussock grassland habitats. It is a late autumn emerging moth and adults are on the wing in February. It is classified as "At Risk, Relict'" by the Department of Conservation.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1917 from a specimen collected at Ben Lomond by Charles E. Clarke in February. In 1926 Meyrick confirmed the placement of this species in the genus Epichorista. George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species in his 1928 book The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. The genus level classification of New Zealand endemic moths within Epichorista is regarded as unsatisfactory and needs revision. As such this species is currently also known as Epichorista ''tenebrosa''. The male holotype is held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Description

Philpott described the species as follows:
The female has shortened wings.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in Central Otago. As well as its type locality, this species has also been found in Naseby State Forest, at Roaring Meg and South Rough Ridge Hill. It has also been found at the Coronet Peak ski field.

Behaviour

This species is a late autumn emerging moth. It is on the wing in February.

Habitat

Hudson noted that the type specimen was found at an altitude of 4000 ft in tussock grasslands. The species has subsequently been collected from similar habitat.

Conservation status

This moth is classified under the New Zealand Threat Classification system as being "At Risk, Relict" as it has a very small population.