Scoriodyta conisalia

Scoriodyta conisalia is a species of moth in the family Psychidae. It was described by Edward Meyrick in 1888. It is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in the North Island. It has been observed at Karikari, Paihia, in the Poor Knights Islands, and in the Auckland and Wellington regions. The species inhabits native forest and coastal areas where it can be found on rocky outcrops and cliffs. Larvae consume algae and lichens. The adults are on the wing from September to March and are active before sunrise.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1888 using specimens collected in Wellington in January. In 1927 Alfred Philpott studied the male genitalia of this species. Hudson discussed this species and illustrated the male in his 1928 book The butterflies and moths of New Zealand. In 1989 this species was discussed in detail and illustrated. The male lectotype is held at the Natural History Museum, London.

Description

The larva of S. conisalia is coloured dark brown.
Meyrick described the adult male of this species as follows:
The female is apterous.
This species is a case moth with the case being spindle shaped. It was also described by P. Hättenschwiler as follows:

Distribution

S. conisalia is endemic to New Zealand. This species has been observed only in the North Island at Karikari, Paihia, in the Poor Knights Islands, and in the Auckland and Wellington regions.

Habitat and hosts

This species inhabits native forest as well as coastal areas preferring rocky outcrops and cliffs, often at locations exposed to sea spray. Larvae consume algae and lichens. Hudson stated that one of the larval host species is Pleurococcus vulgaris. The larval cases can be found on fences and tree trunks.

Behaviour

Larvae pupate in September with adult males being on the wing from September to March. The female, once she has emerged, stands motionless on the larval case awaiting the winged male. Adult males have been successfully collected before sunrise on damp days.