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Fauna of NZ 49 : Lithinin by J.D. Weintraub , M.J. Scoble

ISBN: 478093578 PUBLISHER: Manaaki Whenua Press FORMAT: Paperback PAGES: 285 PUBLICATION DATE: 2004

DESCRIPTION: Lithinini are one of the most widespread tribes of ennomine looper moths, being represented on every continent except Antarctica. These small, narrow-bodied moths are one of the few groups of herbivorous insects for whom ferns are a primary food source. New Zealand’s lithinine moth fauna is wholly endemic and for a relatively small country, surprisingly diverse, having three genera comprising eight species. In fact it’s not so surprising, because New Zealand’s forests provide an optimal environment for these moths, which exploit ferns as their primary food source, and are well adapted to life in temperate rainforest with high pteridophyte diversity and biomass.

Adult lithinine moths visit flowers of various plants such as native Myrtaceae and cultivated Loganiaceae to feed on nectar, while the females deposit eggs on or near the ferns on which the larvae feed. The larvae of Lithinini exhibit a characteristic defense mechanism when disturbed, dropping or jumping off the host plant and twisting rapidly if the disturbance continues. Lithinini use a wide range of plants as host plants, from the low-growing members of the forest herb layer to broad-leaved ferns and the towering tree ferns.

In this Fauna the New Zealand Lithinini are reviewed with a general discussion of morphology and natural history. A key is provided to the eight species, and comprehensive distribution data are provided for all taxa. Host plant association data and information o

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