Ctenopseustis filicis, also known as ginger ponga leaf-tyer, is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae.[1] It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the South and Stewart Islands.

Ctenopseustis filicis
Male holotype
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Tortricidae
Genus: Ctenopseustis
Species:
C. filicis
Binomial name
Ctenopseustis filicis
Dugdale, 1990[1]

Taxonomy

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This species was first described by John Stewart Dugdale in 1990. The male holotype specimen, collected on the Glory Track at Bluff Hill, is held in the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.[2]

Description

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The larva is small and has a brown head.[3] The wingspan of the adult moth is 19–24 mm for males and 22–28 mm for females.[2]

Distribution

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This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found on the South and Stewart Islands.[3]

Habitat and host species

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The larvae feed on Dicksonia squarosa, Dicksonia fibrosa, Cyathea colensoi, Cyathea dealbata and Cyathea smithii.[2][4]

Behaviour

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The larvae of this species create a shelter by tying together the fronds of its host species with silk webbing.[3] Larvae can be found all year round hiding in their shelter.[3] The adult moth can be seen all year round but most frequently in October.[3]

Etymology

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The species name refers to the host plant and is derived from Latin felix (meaning fern).[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Ctenopseustis". www.tortricidae.com. Retrieved 2022-07-25.
  2. ^ a b c d J.S. Dugdale (July 1990). "Reassessment of Ctenopseustis Meyrick and Planotortrix Dugdale with descriptions of two new genera (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)". New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 17 (3): 437–465. doi:10.1080/03014223.1990.10422943. ISSN 0301-4223. Wikidata Q54576382.
  3. ^ a b c d e Andrew Crowe (2004). Life-Size Guide to New Zealand Native Ferns: Featuring the unique caterpillars which feed on them. p. 26. ISBN 0-14-301924-4. Wikidata Q115211440.
  4. ^ "Ctenopseustis filicis Dugdale, 1990". plant-synz.landcareresearch.co.nz. 2022. Retrieved 2022-07-25.