New Zealand Entomologist (1989) 12(1): 42–48
©New Zealand Entomological Society, Inc.

Journal Article
Survey of Lepidoptera at Tara Hills Research Station

B. H. Patrick



Year-round light-trapping at 2 sites at Tara Hills Research Station supplemented by diurnal records from the environs of these sites produced 125 species of Lepidoptera. This information is of potential use to the agricultural research station there. Although the fauna is not large by New Zealand standards it is characteristic of the Omarama Ecological District and Mackenzie Ecological Region in which the study sites are situated. Some biogeographical relationships of this fauna are discussed. One new species (Loxostege sp.) was discovered while several others (Dichromodes sp., Harmologa sp., Ichneutica sp.) may prove to be new also. The rare geometrid Theoxena scissaria was recorded. The seasonality of all species collected is presented and some conspicuous absences noted.

Keywords: Lepidoptera, light-trapping, Tara Hills, Omarama Ecological District, Mackenzie Ecological Region, diurnal species, new species, absences, seasonality, biogeography, New Zealand.