Aoraia insularis, also known as the Rakiura ghost moth, is a species of moth of the family Hepialidae. It is endemic to New Zealand[1] and is found on only on Stewart Island and Steward Island's surrounding smaller islands.[2] It was described by John S. Dugdale in 1994.[2]

Aoraia insularis
Male specimen
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Hepialidae
Genus: Aoraia
Species:
A. insularis
Binomial name
Aoraia insularis
Dugdale, 1994

The wingspan is 54–65 mm for males. Adults are on wing from January to March.[2]

Larvae have been collected from shafts associated with tussocks on Poa foliosa.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Aoraia insularis Dugdale, 1994". www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. 23 December 2014. Retrieved 2017-08-09.
  2. ^ a b c d Dugdale, J. S. (1994). "Hepialidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera)" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 30: 1–164 – via Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd.
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