''Asaphodes declarata'' is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the southern parts of the South Island. This species prefers open tussock grassland habitat amounts beech forest and in mountainous terrain. It can be found at altitudes of between 450 and 1750 m. The adults of this species are on the wing from November to March. The moths can vary both in size and, with the female of the species, in markings.

Taxonomy

This species was described by Louis Beethoven Prout in 1914 as ''Xanthorhoe declarata'' using material collected by George Howes at Ben Lomond in Otago in February. George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species under the name ''Xanthorhoe declarata'' in his 1928 publication ''The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand''. However Hudson made an error, giving the incorrect name of the discoverer of the species, as well as the incorrect type locality. In 1987 Robin C. Craw proposed assigning this species to the genus ''Asaphodes''. In 1988 John S. Dugdale agreed with this proposal. The holotype specimen is held at the Natural History Museum, London.

Description

Prout described the species as follows: Hudson noted that this species could easily be confused with a faded specimen of '' Asaphodes clarata.'' He also pointed out that ''A. declarata'' varies considerably in both size and, with the female of the species, in markings.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. This species has been found in Otago and Southland.

Biology and life cycle

Hudson stated that ''A. declarata'' can be found on the wing from November until February. Adults have also been recorded in March.

Habitat

''A. declarata'' prefers open

tussock Tussock may refer to: * Tussock grass, a group of species in the family Poaceae *Floating island * Lymantriinae, called tussock moths or tussocks See also * Hassock (disambiguation) Hassock may refer to: * Kneeler, a cushion or a piece of f ...

habitat amongst beech forest in mountainous terrain. It can be found at elevations of between 450 and 1750m in altitude.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q41796719 Larentiinae Moths described in 1914 Moths of New Zealand Endemic fauna of New Zealand Taxa named by Louis Beethoven Prout Endemic moths of New Zealand