Glyphipterix acronoma

Glyphipterix acronoma is a species of sedge moth in the genus Glyphipterix. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North and South Islands. Its preferred habitat is open fields on mountain sides and adults are on the wing in December and January.

Taxonomy

This species was first described in 1888 by Edward Meyrick under the name Glyphipteryx acronoma. Meyrick used two specimens collected in January at approximately 4000 ft up Mount Arthur to describe the species. George Hudson also used this name when describing and illustrating this species in 1928. In 1986 the genus Glyphipteryx was judged an unjustified emendation of Glyphipterix Hübner so this species is now known as Glyphipterix acronoma.
The lectotype specimen is held at the Natural History Museum, London.

Description

Meyrick described this species as follows:
Alfred Philpott studied the maxillae parts of lepidoptera including this species and stated that the genus to which this species belongs had palp that were three or four segmented and were smaller than other genera studied.

Distribution

G. acronoma is endemic to New Zealand. As well as the type locality of Mount Arthur, this species has been found at Waimarino and Gollan's Valley in Wellington both in the North Island, as well as in Fiordland, near the Mararoa River in Southland, and in the Queenstown Lakes District, all in the South Island.

Lifecycle and behaviour

This species is on the wing in December and January.

Habitat

The preferred habitat of this species is open fields on mountain sides.