Pav Johnsson, birder and biologist, finds Titanomis sisyrota, the "Frosted Phoenix" (moth), the first record since 1959

[CMKMStephens]

https://inaturalist.nz/observations/202565126

https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/do ... /DSIS5.pdf

https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programm ... s-sisyrota

On a visit to Stewart Island / Rakiura in early March 2024, Pav Johnsson from Sweden set up his UV light at the South Sea Hotel on a sub-par evening. He brought in a moth some thought extinct. Only 10 prior records, ever. The entire life history of the moth including its placement at a family level remains unknown.

It is however, known to be attracted to lights. Two of the records were to the light of ladies' drawing rooms (from which both of the extant specimens originate), and the last record was to floodlights at Waipapa Dam. The 10 previous records span from Waipapa Dam in Waikato Region to Haldane, Southland.

This is the first sighting since 1959. Dr Robert Hoare from Manaaki Whenua describes this as the 'holy grail'.

Apparently if you tune in to TVNZ Breakfast today 8:55am, Johnsson will be starring.

Back in 2022 I thought I'd have a try in the vicinity of the Rangataua record. Tragically, the best I could do was a rather rare and special moth, not an extremely rare, thought to be extinct one, lol.

[paradoxdinokipi]

Awesome!!

[sav]

Hi all,
Another "feather" in the Wrybill Birding Tours cap! He was on our tour when he found the moth.
cheers