Ericodesma aerodana
Ericodesma aerodana is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North and South Islands. The species inhabits sand dunes and larvae feed on "Pimelea prostrata." Adults are on the wing from October to January and are active at twilight. This species is classified as "At Risk, Declining" by the Department of Conservation as its larval host plant is under threat from habitat loss and the invasive to New Zealand plant, sea spurge. Taxonomy. This moth was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1881 using specimens collected  in Hamilton in January. He named the species "Tortrix aerodana". George Vernon Hudson discussed and illustrated this species in his 1928 book under the names "Tortrix indigestana" as well as "T. aerodana." In 1971 John S. Dugdale assigned "T. aerodana" to the genus "Ericodesma." The lectotype specimen is held at the Natural History Museum, London. Description. Meyrick described the moth as follows: Distribution. This species is endemic to New Zealand. The species can be found in Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Taranaki, Whanganui, Wellington, Marlborough & Marlborough Sounds, Kaikoura, Mid Canterbury. Biology, behaviour and habitat. Adults are on wing from October  to January. Adult moths are active at twilight. "E. areodana" inhabits sand dune habitat. Host species. The larvae feed on "Pimelea prostrata". Conservation Status. This species has been classified as having the "At Risk, Declining" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. The survival of this moth is dependent upon the survival of its host plants. These are under threat as a result of habitat loss. The moth and its host plant is also under threat by the sea spurge.