Ichneutica eris

This species was first described by Robert Hoare in 2019.[2] The holotype specimen was collected near the Homer Tunnel by John Tenison Salmon in 1946.[1] I. eris was named in honour of Eris in light of the difficulty of the confusion this species has caused lepidopterists.[1]

Adults of this species are brownish-grey in colour, with whitish markings on the forewings as well as greyish dots along the forewing edge.[1] The hindwings are grey in colour.[1] The wingspan range for the male of the species is between 37 to 46 mm, and for the female is between 43 to 51mm.[1]

This species is similar in appearance to both I. cana and I. fibriata.[1]

This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found throughout the South Island in alpine habitat.[1] This species overlaps with the range of I. cana although it appears to be more restricted in range than that species.[1] However I. eris can be found in the mountains surrounding Nelson whereas I. cana is not present in that locality.[1]

Little is known of the life history of this species.[1] However it is possible that the larvae exist on short alpine grasses and pupate on bare soil.[1]

Adults of this species are on the wing from November to February.[1] This species also appears to be attracted to light.[3]