Sestra spp.

Fern loopers
S Spp L
Photo by Olivier Ball

There are eight species in this endemic genus.

Family
Geometridae
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Large ferns (e.g. bracken, water fern).
Larva
A pair of specialised setae on the abdomen trigger a defensive response when touched (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 ground to feign death when disturbed.
Forewing Length
Species dependent.
Range
NZ
Habitat
Native forest.

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