An unusual little moth, with males being quite different from the females.
Family
Geometridae
Biostatus
Adventive
Host Plant
Wide range of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants (e.g. pohutukawa, wild carrot, akepiro).
Larva
Feeds on flowers (sometimes leaves) of host.
Pupa
Pupates in ground detritus.
Adult/Imago
Male has protruding tuft of hair-like scales one-third down forewing length, shiny black scales under forewing and upper hindwing (presumably scent scales for courtship). Female lacks these structures. January to April. Flies at night, attracted to light.
Forewing Length
7.5 - 10mm
Range
NZ
Habitat
Parks, gardens, coastal areas, waste places.
