About Erechthias fulguritella (Walker, 1863)
Erechthias fulguritella (Walker, 1863) was originally described by Hudson as follows: The wingspan of this species ranges from approximately 1⁄2 to 5⁄8 inch. The forewings are pale brownish-ochreous, with the costal area more or less clouded with darker brown. There are several cloudy blackish streaks in the disc, extending from the base to the apex; the lowest of these streaks extends three blunt projections toward the dorsum. The dorsal area is very pale brownish-ochreous, often almost white, and there is a black spot at the apex. The hindwings are very pale greyish-brown, and are darker toward the apex. This species is variable in appearance, with variation in both colour and wing markings. This species is endemic to New Zealand, and can be found in both the North and South Islands. It inhabits native forest and scrub. Larvae of all species in the genus Erechthias feed on dead plant debris, or on the tough leaves of plants such as palms. The larvae of Erechthias fulguritella have been observed feeding among the dead cones of Pinus radiata. Larvae of this species have also been reared from galls on lacebark.
