Ichneutica dione
Ichneutica dione is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This moth species is closely related to "I. ceraunias" and is very similar in appearance to that species. However "I. dione" has a much more restrictive range, being found only in the alpine zone and hills of the South Island and is less commonly collected. Adults of the species are on the wing from December to February and although sometimes can be found flying during the day, they are more commonly seen at night. Taxonomy. "I. dione" was first described by George Hudson  in his book "New Zealand moths and butterflies (Macro-lepidoptera)." Hudson used a specimen collected by C. W. Palmer on Mount Arthur at an altitude of around 1350m. The holotype specimen is held at Te Papa Tongarewa. Hudson went on to illustrate and discuss this species in 1928. In 1988 Dugdale confirmed this species belonged in the "Ichneutica" genus. Robert J. B. Hoare, while undertaking a major review of New Zealand noctuids, inspected the holotype specimen of this species and confirmed its placement within the genus "Ichneutica". In that review Hoare also synonymised "I. lindsayi" into "I. dione". Hoare  based this decision on the similarity of the dissected holotype specimen of "I. lindsayi" to "I. dione," as well as the wing pattern of "I. lindsayi" being found both in the species "I. dione" and "I. ceraunias". Description. Hudson originally described the species as follows: "I. dione" is very similar in appearance to "I. ceraunias" as the two species are closely related. The two species are both variable but were previously distinguished by "I. ceraunias" having a pale streak in the discal cell of the forewings. However the dissection of the genitalia of male specimens indicate that this distinguishing feature  is also present on "I. dione" specimens. A male "I. dione" may have a distinctive Y shaped marking on their forewing disk. Alternatively those male specimens that have a pale section on their forewings separated from the post discal streaks by a dark patch of wing scales are likely to be "I. dione". The female "I. dione" can be distinguished by the presence of a dark subterminal streak on the forewing. Geographic range. "I. dione" is found only in the South Island of New Zealand. Habitat. This species inhabits the alpine zone of mountains and hills in the South Island . "I. dione" has a more restrictive range than "I. ceraunias". Host species. Although yet to be confirmed it is assumed, as a result of the close relationship between "I. dione" and "I. ceraunias", that "I. dione" larvae feed on "Chionochloa", "Poa" or "Festuca" species. Behaviour. The adults of this species are on the wing from December to February. Like "I. ceraunias" adults of this species are sometimes found flying during the day, although it is more common to find them at night.