Proditrix chionochloae

Proditrix chionochloae is a species of moth in the family Glyphipterigidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. It is classified as "At Risk, Declining'" by the Department of Conservation.

Taxonomy

P. chionochloae was described by John S. Dugdale in 1987 using specimens collected by him at the Pouakai Range in Taranaki. The holotype specimen is held in the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.

Description

Both the male and female adults have wings and their wingspan is 25mm. This moth is similar in appearance to Proditrix megalynta with its buff coloured body and legs but P. chionochloae have a greater number of dark spots on the top of their wings. P. chionochloae can also be distinguished as its genital characteristics are different from P. megalynta and they have a longer third segment of the labial palpi.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. It can only be found in Taupō and Taranaki at the Pouakai Range.

Host plant

The host plant of this species is Chionochloa rubra.

Conservation status

This moth is classified under the New Zealand Threat Classification system as being "At Risk, Declining". One of the reasons for this classification is that the host plant of this species is being invaded by heather in Taupō localities.