Larvae are found on leather-leaf fern/ngarara wehi and hound's tongue fern/kowaowao.
Family
Geometridae
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Ferns.
Larva
A pair of specialised setae on the abdomen trigger a defensive response when touched (the larva drops from host vigorously twisting to hide in leaf litter).
Pupa
Pupates in a silk cocoon among host fronds or in detritus.
Adult/Imago
Males have simple antennae. September to April. Flies at night, visiting flowers, attracted to light. Drops to the ground to feign death when disturbed.
Forewing Length
15 - 18mm
Range
NZ
Habitat
Native forest.
