Stout green sluggish larvae feed on the foliage of a range of native trees including totara, kamahi and mountain beech/tawhai rauriki.
Family
Geometridae
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Native trees (e.g. totara, kamahi, mountain beech).
Larva
Stout, green, sluggish. Feeds on host foliage.
Pupa
Pupates in cocoon in ground detritus.
Adult/Imago
Greenish wings. The male has an elongated abdomen (Tatosoma means 'long body') that likely evolved to impress female during courtship. September to March. Rests on mossy tree trunks by day. Flies at night, attracted to light.
Forewing Length
15 - 18mm
Range
NZ
Habitat
Native forest.