Ichneutica ceraunias

This species was first described in 1887 by Edward Meyrick using a male specimen collected at Mount Arthur under the name I. ceraunias.[1] This species name has been misspelt as Ichneutica caraunias.

I. ceraunias was discussed and illustrated by George Hudson in his books published in 1898 and 1928.[3][4] John S. Dugdale agreed with the placement of this species within the Ichneutica genus in 1988.[5] Robert J. B. Hoare also confirmed the placement of this species within the Ichneutica genus in his major review of New Zealand Noctuidae species in 2019.[6]

Ichneutica ceraunias observed in the St Bathans Mountains

Meyrick originally described this species as follows:

41 mm. Head, palpi, antennae, thorax, abdomen, and legs brownish-ochreous ; palpi externally suffused with dark fuscous ; stalk of antennae white above. Forewings moderately dilated, costa almost straight, apex obtuse, hindmargin rather oblique, rounded beneath ; whitish-ochreous, brownish-tinged ; a pale yellow-ochreous gradually dilated streak from base above middle to 3⁄5, where it separates abruptly into two strong remote branches, nearly reaching hindmargin, upper acutely pointed, lower with two acute points ; space between and beyond these, and on a broad streak beneath them, reaching from 1⁄3 to hindmargin but acutely attenuated anteriorly, ochreous-brown, sprinkled with black on margins ; a small blackish spot between branches at origin, and an irregular black divided streak from base beneath median streaks to middle : cilia whitish-ochreous (imperfect). Hindwings light fuscous-grey ; cilia whitish-ochreous (imperfect).[1]

This species is variable in the intensity of its colour and markings with darker specimens being found in the South.[4] The pale streaks on the forewing help identify this species but some forms of I. dione can be confused with I. ceraunias.[6] Some populations have full winged females, others have brachypterous, flightless females with the form of the wing reduction being variable.[6]

The larvae of the species has been partially described but there is no full description of the larvae of this species.[6]

I. ceraunias is found from central North Island down and throughout the South Island.[6]

The species inhabits the alpine zone in the northern sections of its range down to sea-level in the south.[6]

The larvae of I. ceraunias feed on Chionochloa and Festuca species.[6]

Although adult moths are known to fly during the day it is more common to see them at night.[6] They are attracted to light.[4] Adults are on the wing from October to February.[6]

Currently this species is not listed as in need of conservation efforts.[7]