One of NZ's best known moths, illustrating camouflage with its finely-shirred pattern on the outspread wings exactly matching the dead leaves of its host plant.
Family
Geometridae
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Cabbage trees, Cordyline species.
Egg
Laid in rows, mainly on the underside of fronds, or near the base of dead leaves. Green when first laid, but turn brown and then red. 14 days.
Larva
Green caterpillars, loopers, make their way to the crown, grazing the surface of young leaves and then holes/notches out of the sides of young leaves. This damage is not detected until the leaves unfurl. 25mm.
Pupa
Silk-lined cocoon in a sheltered site such as the base of dead leaves, in crevices in trees or leaf litter. Pupa has a long hook at its rear end.
Adult/Imago
Wings striped to camouflage with brown cabbage tree leaves. Male moths have feathery antennae with a large number of sensory cells.
Forewing Length
13 - 20mm
Range
Throughout NZ, very common in native gardens and forests, wetlands and parks.
Habitat
Native bush, anywhere that cabbage trees are found.