Microdes quadristrigata

Microdes quadristrigata is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North, South and Stewart Islands. Adults have been observed from February to May as well as in November and December. They are attracted to light.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Francis Walker in 1862 using specimens collected by Daniel Bolton in Auckland and named Larentia quadristrigata, although Walker was in doubt as to whether Larentia was the appropriate genus to place this species. In the same publication, thinking he was describing a new species, Walker also named this species Larentia interclusa. This name was synonymised by Edward Meyrick in 1884. In 1885 Meyrick raised the possibility that this species should be placed in the genus Microdes. Cajetan von Felder and Alois Friedrich Rogenhofer, again thinking they were describing a new species, named this species Microdes toriata in 1875. This name was synonymised by Meyrick in 1917. In 1898 George Hudson, again thinking he was describing a new species, named it Chloroclystis rectilineata. This name was synonymised by Meyrick in 1913. In 1927 Alfred Philpott discussed the male genitalia of this species. Hudson discussed and illustrated this species in his 1928 book The butterflies and moths of New Zealand. In 1988 John S. Dugdale discussed this species and confirmed its placement in the genus Microdes. The female holotype is held at the Natural History Museum, London.

Hudson described this species as follows:

This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in the North, South and Stewart Islands.

Adults have been observed on the wing from February to May and then in November and December. They are attracted to light.