Native moths may die out nameless

By ANGELA GREGORY

Species of day-flying moths found around New Zealand's coastline are dying off before they are even named.

The diurnal creatures rank among the closest relations of butterflies but habitat destruction is leading them to extinction.

Their plight has become a passion for Dunedin entomologist Brian Patrick, who said at least seven of the remaining 13 species were at risk.

Mr Patrick, collections and research manager at Otago Museum, said that in the past decade more than 10 species of coastal moth had been lost, mainly through habitat fragmentation and weed invasion.

He was concerned the moths went unnoticed without names. Even the plants they fed on were not formally named.

"People are not aware of the biodiversity of our coastline, which is just being rubbished."

Mr Patrick said the coastal moths were "wonderful little animals" and often brightly coloured.

Last year he began hand-raising four of the Northland species' pinky-purple caterpillars.

"The gorgeous moth has a lovely orange colour and is amazing to watch.

"It is a very cautious flyer and when it lands still vibrates its wings ... quite flighty, which makes it very hard to study."

Mr Patrick said what was loosely referred to as the Northland moth was discovered in 1967 but had not been found again for 30 years.

Populations of the endangered moth were now confirmed at about nine sites from West Auckland north, including Cape Reinga, the Surville Cliffs at North Cape, and Tauroa Pt west of Kaitaia.

Mr Patrick wants to name the neglected moths but the process cannot be rushed as each species has to be scientifically established.

"We need proof of separate localities, a certain number of specimens, photos, and an overview of what's happening throughout New Zealand. All that has to be shown in a peer review journal to prove the case 150 per cent."

Mr Patrick said he had come up with what he thought was a suitable name for the Northland moth, but could not release it now as it would then not be able to be used. "I can only say the name relates to the region's sunny climate."

The coastal moth family was known as Notoreas, which meant southern.

"That goes back to the times when anything found down here was regarded as southern."

Mr Patrick estimated about 200 of New Zealand's native moths were yet to be named, and he feared some species might not see in their christening.

Andrea Booth, a Northland conservancy support officer, said little was known about the northern species. The moth was thought to come out just twice a year for very short periods.

Ms Booth said surveys would begin this week to map the moth habitats to assess how endangered it was, and to determine threats to its host plant.