Apoctena clarkei, also known as the umbrella fern bell moth, is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae. It is found in New Zealand, where it is only found on the North Island.

Apoctena clarkei
Male holotype specimen
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Tortricidae
Genus: Apoctena
Species:
A. clarkei
Binomial name
Apoctena clarkei
(Philpott, 1930)[1]
Synonyms
  • Tortrix clarkei Philpott, 1930

Description

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The larvae of this species are coloured yellow to greenish and have a pale brown head.[2] When mature they are approximately 25mm long.[2]

Behaviour

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The larva of this species create silk webbing around the fronds of its host and hide within that structure.[2] They will emerge from it to feed.[2] The adult moth is on the wing in the New Zealand summer.[2]

Hosts

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The larvae feed on Sticherus species including Sticherus cunninghamii.[3][2]

References

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  1. ^ tortricidae.com
  2. ^ a b c d e f Andrew Crowe (2004). Life-Size Guide to New Zealand Native Ferns: Featuring the unique caterpillars which feed on them. p. 15. ISBN 0-14-301924-4. Wikidata Q115211440.
  3. ^ J.S. 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.