Pseudocoremia albafasciata, also known as the flash moth, is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North Island. Adults have been observed on the wing from November until March. It has the "at risk, declining" threat classification as given by the Department of Conservation.
Taxonomy This species was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1915 from specimens collected in Taihape in February and Feilding in March. Philpott named the species Selidosema albafasciata. In 1917 Edward Meyrick, when listing the species, attempted to correct the spelling of the epithet to albifasciata. This spelling was itself in error. George Hudson, following Meyrick, discussed and illustrated this species in his 1928 book The butterflies and moths of New Zealand under the name Selidosema albifasciata. In 1988 John S. Dugdale assigned the species to the genus Pseudocoremia. He retained the original spelling of the species epithet under the ICZN Rules, Article 32a (ii) and 32c. The male holotype was collected by Augustus Hamilton in Taihape and is now held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
Description
Philpott described the species as follows:
Philpott pointed out that the female differs by having much of the dark ground colour replaced by the lighter shade of the markings. The basal patch and median band are much reduced, and the terminal dark area is represented only by a triangular subapical patch and some small marks on the lower half.
Although similar in appearance to Pseudocoremia melinata this species differs in appearance as it has a broad white first line on its forewings.
Distribution This species is endemic to New Zealand. It has been observed in the North Island. Hudson stated this species had also been observed in Central Otago.
Biology and host species The biology and host species of this moth is unknown.
Behaviour Adults have been observed on the wing from November until March.
Conservation status In 2025 P. albafasciata was classified under the New Zealand Threat Classification system as being at risk, declining. This classification was as a result of the species being biologically sparse, adversely affected by long term climate change, and range restricted. However there is a lack of data about the population size and trend. This species is in need of further research in order to assist with the conservation of this species.
The 2025 conservation classification has improved in comparison to the classification given in 2015 where this species was regarded as being Nationally Endangered.
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