Gingidiobora nebulosa

Gingidiobora nebulosa, the gingidium looper moth, is a moth in the family Crambidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species has been classified as Nationally Vulnerable by the Department of Conservation.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1917 and named Xanthorhoe nebulosa. Philpott used specimens collected in February and March at The Bluff, Waiau Toa / Clarence River and at Coverham, Marlborough by Dr. J. A. Thomson and Hugh Hamilton. George Vernon Hudson described and illustrated the species in 1928. In 1987 Robin C. Craw placed this species within the genus Gingidiobora. The type specimen is held at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Description

The larvae are green and smooth.
Philpott described the adults of the species as follows:

Distribution

G. nebulosa is endemic to New Zealand. As well as its type locality of Coverham and The Bluff, Clarence River, this species has been found at the Tone River bed and at Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Conservation Park in Marlborough. It is also present at Macraes Ponds in Waitaki, and in Otago.

Biology and life cycle

The larvae feed at night. The species is most commonly seen in March.

Host plant

The larvae of G. nebulosa feed on mountain carrot, Gingidia montana. This plant suffers from browse reduction which in turn affects the moth population.

Conservation status

This species has the "Nationally Vulnerable" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.