Ipana griseata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species is classified as "At Risk, Declining" by the Department of Conservation.
Taxonomy Ipana griseata was first described and illustrated by George Vernon Hudson in 1898 as Declana griseata. Hudson further discussed and illustrated the species both in his 1928 and 1939 publications. The lectotype specimen is held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. In 2023, the species was placed in the genus Ipana.
Description
Larva
Hudson gave a description and illustration of the larvae of this species in his 1939 publication. In appearance the larvae are extremely variable but it is able to mimic the appearance of a twig on its host plant.
Pupa The pupa are enclosed in a cocoon made of moss and plant detritus and can be found on the ground.
Adult Hudson described the adult moth as follows: The adult of this species can be distinguished from related other species in the genera Ipana and Declana as it has a torso that is more downy in appearance and has a light coloured band that appears before the middle of the forewings. It can be distinguished from grey forms of Declana floccosa and D. nigrospara as I. griseata is darker grey in colour and is larger than the other two species.
Distribution Ipana griseata is endemic to New Zealand. This species range is from the Bay of Plenty/Taupo down to Stewart Island. However it is likely locally extinct in some North Island localities.
Ipana griseata has been recorded as being collected in Wellington, Top house at Lake Rotoiti, Mount Hutt, Castle Hill, Cave Creek in Paparoa National Park, Arthurs Pass, Waiho Gorge in Westland, Dunedin, Ben Lomond, Lake Wakatipu, Takitimu Mountains in Southland, Invercargill and Orepuki.
Biology and behaviour The larvae of Ipana griseata are present in December and January. The adult moths emerge from February. Adults of this species are on the wing all year round. They are attracted to light and have been collected via a mercury vapour light trap. Adults rest on mossy tree trunks in the vicinity of their host plants. Host species
The host species of this moth are leafy mistletoes, including Peraxilla colensoi, P. tetrapetala, Ileostylus microanthus, and Tupeia antarctica.
Conservation status This moth is classified under the New Zealand Threat Classification system as being "At Risk, Declining". The species was regarded by Hudson as being scarce even when first described. The survival of this moth is dependent on the survival of its host plants.
References
External links
Image of lectotype specimen