An interesting endemic genus, with the male having a conspicuously elongated abdomen.
Family
Geometridae
Biostatus
Endemic
Larva
Stout, green, sluggish. T. tipulata feeds on native tree foliage. T. topea can feed on matai.
Pupa
Pupates in a cocoon on ground detritus.
Adult/Imago
Greenish wings. Male has elongated abdomen (Tatosoma means 'long body') that likely evolved to impress the female during courtship. September to March. Rests on mossy tree trunks by day. Flies at night, attracted to light.
Forewing Length
Species dependent.
Range
NZ
Habitat
Native forest.
