Parallactis zorophanes is a species of small moth in the family Autostichidae, subfamily Autostichinae, endemic to South Africa.
Taxonomy and Description — The species was first described in 1954 by the Dutch-born South African entomologist Anthonie Johannes Theodorus Janse (1877–1970), as part of his comprehensive series The Moths of South Africa (volume 5, part 4). The holotype, a male specimen, was collected on 8 December 1925 by G. van Son at Marieps Mountain (Mariepskop) in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, and is deposited in the Transvaal Museum (now Ditsong Museum of Natural History) in Pretoria. No taxonomic revisions or synonyms are currently recognized for this species.
Morphology — The adult moth has a wingspan of about 15 mm. The forewings are cream with ochraceous-buff markings, and the hindwings are whitish, irrorated (speckled) with fine cream scales, with pale fringes. Wing venation follows the characteristic pattern of Autostichidae, including stalked R4 and R5 in the forewing and stalked Rs and M1 in the hindwing.
Distribution and Habitat — The known geographic range is extremely limited, confined to the type locality at Mariepskop in Mpumalanga province, at elevations exceeding 1,800 m above sea level, indicating a preference for high-altitude montane environments within the Grassland Biome. The habitat includes open tussock grasslands, sclerophyllous shrublands with fynbos affinities, and patchy Afromontane forest. The climate is temperate highland, with a mean annual temperature of 13°C, high relative humidity, frequent mist and fog, and annual rainfall of approximately 1,224 mm concentrated in summer.
Biology and Ecology — Little is known about the biology or ecology of P. zorophanes. No recorded observations exist of its larval stages, host plants, or behavior beyond the original description. As a member of Autostichidae, it likely shares traits with related species, such as nocturnal activity in adults and larvae feeding on detritus, lichens, or decaying vegetation, though this remains unconfirmed. The single known specimen was collected in December, suggesting possible activity during South Africa's summer months.
Conservation — The species has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List. No subsequent collection records or sightings have been reported since the original description, underscoring its rarity. Habitat threats in the region include historical conversion to timber plantations, soil erosion, invasive alien plants, and climate change.
Classification — Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Arthropoda, Class: Insecta, Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Autostichidae, Genus: Parallactis, Species: P. zorophanes.
