Xanthorhoe lophogramma is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is endemictoNew Zealand and if found in the South Island. This species inhabits dry beech scrub but its larval host is unknown. Adult moths are on the wing in January. This species is classified as "At Risk, Nationally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation.
This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1897 using a specimen collected by George HudsonatCastle Hill.[3][4] Hudson discovered this species in January 1893 and discussed and illustrated it in both his 1898 and 1928 books.[5][6] In 1939 L. B. Prout proposed that the species be moved to the genus Larentia,[7] however this proposal did not gain acceptance.[2] The holotype species is held at the Natural History Museum, London.[3] This species is regarded as having a dubious taxonomic status.[8] At present this species is in an unrevised group and is regarded by some experts as lacking clear diagnostic features and not being distinguishable from X. semifissata.[8] Despite this, it was classified as having a New Zealand Threat Classification status in 2017.[9]
♂︎ 27 mm. Head and thorax grey-whitish, irrorated with fuscous and black. Anteunal pectinations, a 7, b 8. Forewings with termen slightly waved, oblique ; fuscous-whitish, irrorated with fuscous ; a stria near base, and edge of basal patch dark fuscous, curved ; median band formed by two fasciae of three suffused dark fuscous striae each, outermost blackish, anterior edge curved, posterior edge with a rectangular projection at 1⁄4 from costa and a broader rounded prominence in middle, indentation between these rounded-angular, abrupt ; fifth fascia indicated by a fuscous costal suffusion ; sixth suffusedly fuscous, with a triangular blackish-fuscous spot below apex, edged above with a whitish-ochreous suffusion : cilia fuscous, terminal half obscurely spotted with whitish. Hindwings dull ochreous-yellowish.[4]
Although very similar in appearance to its close relative X. semifissata, Meyrick states it can be distinguished from that species by the distinctive form of the posterior edge of the median band and the less distinct pale striae beyond it.[4] Hudson also points out that the hindwings are dark ochreous in colour and lack the transverse markings of X. semifissata.[6][10]
This species has been classified as having the "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.[9] This species is regarded as being under threat as most of its lowland habitat is now highly modified by introduced plants.[10]
^ abCraw, R. C. (2 February 2012). "Revision of the genus Helastia sensu stricto with description of a new genus (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae)". New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 14 (2): 269–293. doi:10.1080/03014223.1987.10422997.
