Dasyuris pluviata is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. This species was first described by George Hudson in 1928. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the southern parts of the North Island including in the Tararua and Ruahine ranges. The species inhabits tussock grassland. Adult moths are day flying and have been collected in November.
Taxonomy This species was first described by George Hudson in his 1928 book The butterflies and moths of New Zealand. The male lectotype, collected by Stella Hudson at Field Peak in the Tararua Ranges, is held at Te Papa.
Description
Hudson described this species as follows: Although this species resembles D. fulminea, it lacks the distinctive angulated median line of that later species. D. pluviata also has more slender lines on the upper surface of its wings in comparison to D. fulminea.
Distribution This species is endemic to New Zealand. D. pluviata has been observed in the southern half of the North Island. Hudson stated that as well as the type locality this species has been observed in the Ruahine Range.
Habitat This species inhabits tussock grassland.
Behaviour Adults of this species are day flying and have been collected in November.
References