Kupea is a monotypic moth genus of the family Crambidae described by Alfred Philpott in 1930. It contains only one species, Kupea electilis, also known as Kupe's grassmoth, which is endemic to New Zealand. It is classified as Nationally Vulnerable by the Department of Conservation. The female of the species was first discovered in 2012. Taxonomy Kupea electilis was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1930 using a male specimen collected at Birdling's Flat, Kaitorete Spit by Stuart Lindsay in March. The species was again described and figured by George Vernon Hudson in 1939. David E. Gaskin discussed the species in 1975 stating that once a female specimen was found the systemic position of the genus should be reassessed. The type specimen is held at the Canterbury Museum. Description The adult male's forewings are brassy ochreous, suffused with grey in the disc. There is a brownish-black mark in the disc, followed by a white bar. The hindwings are brownish. The male has a limited ability to fly. The female of the species is brachypterous. Distribution Kupea electilis is endemic to New Zealand. It has only ever been recorded on sites around Kaitorete Spit, Canterbury. The female of the species was first discovered in 2012. Life history The larvae exist in a cocoon constructed of silk and sand. They feed on dried pieces of their host plant within the cocoon. Adults are on the wing from mid March to mid April. The time they are active is unknown as K. electilis are not attracted to light but it has been hypothesised they are active at twilight. Habitat and host plant This species occurs at sand plains, behind foredunes and low hind dunes. The host of this species is the endemic plant Zoysia minima. Conservation status Kupea electilis is regarded as being "Nationally Vulnerable" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. The main threats to this species include grazing cattle and introduced pests such as rabbits that eat its host plant, weed invasion from plants such as sea spurge, and the development or use of land by humans. References External links Image of female of the species Crambinae Moths of New Zealand Endemic fauna of New Zealand Endangered biota of New Zealand Taxa named by Alfred Philpott Endemic moths of New Zealand