Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Hexapoda Order Lepidoptera Scientific name Xanthorhoe semifissata | Phylum Arthropoda Class Insecta Family Geometridae Rank Species | |
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Similar Epyaxa rosearia, Euphyia, Xanthorhoe | ||
Xanthorhoe semifissata is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is native to New Zealand.
Contents
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with a wing span 25–35 mm.
Distribution and habitat
Is found in both the South and North Island of New Zealand.
Has been collected occasionally in Riccarton Bush, Christchurch.
The habitat/foodplant for this moth is herbaceous plants. Gaskin noted eggs are laid on watercress (Nasturtium officinale). White listed Cardamine and stream Nasturtium as known larval foods.
Eggs
Eggs are pale green and hemispherical in shape.
Larva
The caterpillar is dark brown on its upper side and light brown below, When fully grown it is approximately 2.5 cm long.
Adult
The adults have been collected in March, May, August and October in Riccarton Bush, Christchurch. In montane grasslands at Cass, Arthurs Pass the moth was seen from November through to April.