Proteodes smithi

Proteodes smithi is a species of moth in the family Depressariidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is known from Homer in Fiordland, as well as other localities in the south western parts of the South Island. It has been observed tussock and mixed shrub habitat above the tree line at approximately 1000 m altitude. Adults are on the wing from December until April and are attracted to light.

Taxonomy

This species was described by George Howes in 1946 using a specimen collected in early January at Homer, Fiordland by T. R. Smith, in whose honour this species is named. The male holotype specimen is held at Te Papa.

Description

Howes described the species as follows:
This species is similar in appearance to Proteodes clarkei but differs in that the wings are broader, the colouration is brighter and in the male the antennal pectinations are significantly shorter than those of P. clarkei.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand and known from its type locality of Homer. It has also been observed in the south west of the South Island near Milford Sound and north of Lake Astelia in Southland.

Habitat

The adults of this species have been observed in terrain that contained tussock, mixed scrub and rocks, above the tree line at about 1000 m.

Behaviour

Adults have been observed as being on the wing from December until April. This species is attracted to light.