Pyrgotis transfixa is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the Wellington region. This species inhabits native forest. Adults are on the wing in December and are attracted to light. It is classified as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation.
Taxonomy This species was first described by Edward Meyrick from a specimen collected by George Hudson at Gollan's Valley, Wellington in December. Meyrick named the species Catamacta transfixa. Hudson described and illustrated this species under that name in his 1928 book The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand. In 1971 John S. Dugdale placed this species within the genus Pyrgotis. The holotype specimen of this species is held at the Natural History Museum, London.
Description Meyrick described this species as follows:
Distribution This species is endemic to New Zealand. This species is only known from Wellington. Specimens have been obtained in the Ōrongorongo Valley.
Biology and life cycle Very little is known of the biology of this species. The adult moths are on the wing in December. They are attracted to light.
Host species and habitat This species prefers forest habitat. The host species and larvae of this moth are at present unknown.
Conservation status This species has been classified as having the "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.
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External links
Image of holotype specimen