Chilonini

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Pyraloidea
Family: Crambidae
Subfamily: Crambinae
Tribe: Chilonini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chilonini: //kɪˈlɒnɪnaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Culladia strophaea is a moth species in the family Crambidae, first described in 1905. It is endemic to New Zealand and is currently subject to taxonomic uncertainty. It frequents specific habitats and has distinct physical characteristics that can aid in identification.

Physical Characteristics

Males and females measure 15-18 mm in wingspan. The head and thorax are ochreous-whitish, partially yellowish-tinged, with dark grey sprinkling. Palpi are grey, darker-sprinkled, whitish above and towards the base. Antennae are ochreous-whitish with obscure dark fuscous rings. The abdomen is ochreous-whitish irrorated with dark grey. Fore-wings are elongate-triangular, pale brassy-ochreous mixed with white and irrorated with dark grey; hind-wings are grey, darker posteriorly.

Identification Tips

Look for the elongate-triangular fore-wings with distinctive pale brassy-ochreous coloration and dark fuscous markings, along with the characteristic ochreous-whitish body.

Habitat

Frequent stony cuttings often by roadsides, near forest habitats.

Distribution

Endemic to New Zealand, found in North Island and in the provinces of Nelson and Westland in the South Island. Locations include Wellington, Whakarewarewa, Raurimu, Whanganui, Haruru Falls, Lake Taupō, Bluff Hill, and Lake Rotorua.

Life Cycle

Larvae have been found in soil. Adults are on the wing in January.

Collecting Methods

mercury vapour light traps
15 watt UV light traps

Evolution

Placed within the genus Culladia in 1973 by D. E. Gaskin, but this placement is debated.

Misconceptions

The taxonomy and placement of this species in Culladia is regarded by some scientists as erroneous, leading to alternative labels such as Argyria (s.l.) strophaea.