Planotortrix avicenniae

Planotortrix avicenniae is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North Island. Its larvae feed on mangrove trees.

Taxonomy and etymology

This species was first described in 1990 by John S. Dugdale. The holotype specimen is held in the New Zealand [Arthropod Collection]. The species name refers to Avicennia, the genus of the larval host plant.

Description

The female of the species can be difficult to distinguish from the females of P. excessana and P. octo. However, the larvae of P. avicenniae are distinctive. Unlike the green headed and bodied larvae of P. excessana and P. octo, they are grey-greenish in colour and have a brownish head.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. It has been observed only in the North Island in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Coromandel, and the Bay of Plenty.

Biology and behaviour

The larvae of this species web together and feed on the leaves of their host plant.

Habitat and host species

The larvae feed only on the mangrove tree species Avicennia marina.