An exquisite diurnal species. Stubby green or purplish larvae feed on native daphne.
Family
Geometridae
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Native daphne species
Larva
Stubby green or purplish. Feeds by making leaf mines, openly on leaves.
Pupa
Pupates in cocoon in sand or soil under host plant.
Adult/Imago
Size and wing patterns differ between populations. August to April. Fly by day visiting flowers. Many populations threatened by development and invasive exotic weeds in dune habitats.
Forewing Length
9 - 13mm
Range
North Island, north of South Island
Habitat
Subalpine shrubland, coastal dunes.