Orocrambus sp. ‘Mackenzie Basin’(of Stringer et al. 2012)

Orocrambus sp. ‘Mackenzie Basin’ (of Stringer et al. 2012)

Current DoC threat status

Nationally Vulnerable.

Recognition / similar species

This species somewhat resembles O. cyclopicus, but the forewings have a distinctive bronzy green sheen and are rather broad. The female is extremely short-winged and therefore flightless.

Known distribution and abundance

Known only from two localities in the eastern Mackenzie Basin: south end of Haldon Road at 380-400m and hills up to 920m immediately south of there and east of Lake Bemore. The flightless female severely limits the dispersal ability of the species.

Habitat

Stony, dry valley-floor areas with few sparse vascular plants. Lichens, Raoulia species, bare ground and stones dominate the habitat.But the moth is also found in nearby areas with some Festuca short tussock.

Host-plant and biology of early stages

Unknown. Only a few tussocks are found in its degraded habitat, so the larva must almost certainly be feeding on other plant species.

Flight period (months of year) and behaviour of adult

Late February to mid April with a peak in mid to late March. Adult males can easily be disturbed by day but the species comes readily to light indicating it is a nocturnal species.

Potential monitoring technique(s)

As the species is easily disturbed by day in its open degraded habitat, a daytime walk-though counting method will be effective in picking up populations trends. Alternatively light-trapping for males would also be a suitable monitoring technique.

Threats

All of the habitat for this very localised species is on Pastoral Lease, and none is currently protected, although negotiations are underway under Tenure Review.

Brian H. Patrick

Reference

Stringer, I.A.N., Hitchmough, R.A., Dugdale, J.S., Edwards, E.D., Hoare, R.J.B. and Patrick, B.H. 2012. The conservation status of the New Zealand Lepidoptera. New Zealand Entomologist 35(2): 120-127.