typification

Holotype. ♂, New Zealand, WO, 37.19S, 175.27E, Torehape wetland (mine site), emg. 21 Oct 2004, R. Hoare, C. Watts; larva / pupa in stem of Sporadanthus ferrugineus 14 Oct 2004. Paratypes. New Zealand: WO, 6♂, 6♀, same data as holotype, but emg. 23.x (2♂♂), 24.x (1♂), 25.x (1♂ (NZAC), 1♀(CSNZ)), 26.x (1♂), 27.x (1♂, 2♀), 28.x (1♀), 29.x (2♀♀); 2♂♂, 5♀♀ (NZAC), 2♂♂, 1♀ (CSNZ), 1♂, 1♀ (BMNH), 1♂, 1♀ (MZH), same locality, disturbed from Sporadanthus ferrugineus by day, 30.x.2004, R. Hoare, C. Watts ; 1♀, 37.19.3S, 175.27.6E, Torehape wetland (Dept. of Conservation Reserve), at night, 14.x.2004, R. Hoare, C. Watts, A. Emmerson; 2♂♂, 1♀, 37.57S, 175.23E, Moanatuatua Swamp, emg. 25.x (1♂), 28.x.2004 (1♂, 1♀), C. Watts, larvae / pupae in stems of Sporadanthus ferrugineus x.2004.

Hoare, R.J.B.; Dugdale, J.S.; Watts, C. 2006: The world’s thinnest caterpillar? A new genus and species of Batrachedridae (Lepidoptera) from Sporadanthus ferrugineus (Restionaceae), a threatened New Zealand plant. Invertebrate Systematics 20(5): 571-583.

Etymology

The specific name ‘flexilissima’ (superlative of the Latin adjective ‘flexilis’) means ‘very flexible or ‘pliable’. It refers to the extraordinary larva of the new species.

Hoare, R.J.B.; Dugdale, J.S.; Watts, C. 2006: The world’s thinnest caterpillar? A new genus and species of Batrachedridae (Lepidoptera) from Sporadanthus ferrugineus (Restionaceae), a threatened New Zealand plant. Invertebrate Systematics 20(5): 571-583.