Helastia salmoni

Helastia salmoni is a moth of the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found only in Fiordland in the South Island. Adults of this species are on the wing in January and are nocturnal and attracted to light. Although similar in appearance to Helastia corcularia, H. salmoni can be distinguished as its forewings are a lighter white-grey. This species was named in honour of John [Salmon (entomologist)|John Salmon].

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Robin Craw in 1987 using specimens collected at the Homer Tunnel and at Gertrude in Otago. The male holotype, collected at the Homer Tunnel in January by John T. Salmon, is held at Te Papa. This species is named in John Salmon's honour.

Description

Craw described this species as follows:
Craw went on to explain that this species can be distinguished from Helastia corcularia as H. salmoni has forewings the upper side of which is coloured white-grey whereas H. corcularia has a darker more slate grey colour.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is only found in Fiordland in the South Island.

Behaviour

Adults of this species are on the wing in January. They are nocturnal and are attracted to light.

Habitat and hosts

This species inhabits subalpine terrain. Although the life history of this species is poorly known, the larval host plants of this species are likely mosses or herbs or possibly lichens.