Xyridacma ustaria

Xu L
Photo by Olivier Ball

Most likely the moth depicted by Rita Angus in her Self-portrait (with moth and caterpillar) in 1943.

Family
Geometridae
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Lemonwood/tarata, kohukohu.
Larva
Stout, tapered head. Feeds on host leaves.
Pupa
Pupates in a cocoon on the host plant's spun leaves.
Adult/Imago
Varying leaf-like patterns (e.g. black spots on wing margins, mottled yellow blotches, irregular purplish suffusions). October to April. Flies at night, attracted to light.
Forewing Length
15 - 22mm
Range
NZ
Habitat
Native forest, parks, gardens.

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