Helastia siris

Helastia siris is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the Wellington region as well as on Stephens and the Chatham Islands. It is classified as "At Risk, Relict'" by the Department of Conservation. H. siris inhabits coastal tussock grassland. Little is known of the biology of this species. Adults have been observed on the wing in March and September. Adults are nocturnal and are attracted to light.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by E. F. Hawthorne in 1897 using a specimen he collected in Wellington and named Asaphodes siris. George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species in his 1898 book under the same name and in his 1928 book as a synonym of Hydriomena triphragma. In 1987 Robin C. Craw placed this species within the genus Helastia. The holotype specimen is held at the Museum of New Zealand [Te Papa Tongarewa].

Description

Hudson described the species as follows:

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. It occurs in Wellington, Stephens Island and in the Chatham Islands. It has been collected from Baring Head.

Biology and lifecycle

Very little is known about the biology of H. siris. It is on the wing in March and September, is nocturnal and is attracted to light.

Host species and habitat

This species prefers short tussock grassland habitat in coastal areas. The host species for the larvae of H. siris is unknown. It has been hypothesised the larvae of H. siris feed on the flowers of Helichrysum species and then feed on mosses, lichens or shrubs growing nearby.

Conservation status

This moth is classified under the New Zealand [Threat Classification System|New Zealand Threat Classification system] as being "At Risk, Relict".