# New Zealand Moths and Butterflies/Notodontina

II.—THE NOTODONTINA.
The Notodontina are characterized as follows:—
"Imago with fore-wings more or less broad-triangular; hind-wings broad-ovate."—(Meyrick.)
Larva (in New Zealand) generally with 10 or 12 legs only (Plate III., figs. 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 24), rarely with 16 (Sphinx, Pl. III., figs. 13 and 14).
This is a very extensive group of the Lepidoptera, and so far as it is represented in New Zealand is equivalent to that group formerly known as the Geometrina, with the addition of the family Sphingidæ. The insects here included comprise many of our most interesting, abundant, and beautiful species. Some of them are so extremely variable that it is often a matter of considerable difficulty to determine the most convenient points on which to base the specific distinctions; although fortunately great advances have been made in this direction of late years owing to the increase in the number of workers, and the consequent accumulation of available material. In connection with this portion of the subject, special mention should be made of Mr. Meyrick's paper on the group, which appeared in the 'Transactions' of the New Zealand Institute for 1883. This essay has been of the greatest value in dispelling the doubts which formerly existed respecting the limits of many of the most variable species.
The Notodontina are represented in New Zealand by the six following families:—
| 1. Hydriomenidæ. | 4. Orthostixidæ. |
| 2. Sterrhidæ. | 5. Selidosemidæ. |
| 3. Monocteniadæ. | 6. Sphingidæ. |
Family 1.—HYDRIOMENIDÆ.
The Hydriomenidae are thus characterized:—
"A very large family distributed in equal plenty throughout all temperate regions, but becoming scarcer within the tropics. The structure is very uniform throughout, and the generic distinctions slight. Imago with body slender, fore-wings usually broad.
"Ovum broad, oval, rather flattened with usually oval reticulations. Larva elongate, slender, with few hairs, without prolegs on segments 7 to 9; often imitating live or dead twigs and shoots. Pupa usually subterranean."—(Meyrick.)
​This family is very extensively represented in New Zealand by the following fifteen genera:—
| 1. Tatosoma. | 5. Elvia. | 09. Venusia. | 13. Dasyuris. |
| 2. Paradetis. | 6. Hydriomena. | 10. Asaphodes. | 14. Notoreas. |
| 3. Chloroclystis. | 7. Euchœca. | 11. Xanthorhoe. | 15. Samana. |
| 4. Phrixogonus. | 8. Asthena. | 12. Lythria. |
Genus 1.—TATOSOMA, Butl.
"This singular genus is a remnant of a widely diffused, but now fragmentary group, to which belong also Lobophora (Europe), Rhopalodes (South America), Sauris (Ceylon), and Remodes (Borneo.) In all, the hind-wings of the male are peculiarly modified, usually much diminished in size, and with the dorsum formed into a distinct lobe, the object of which is unknown. A similar structure is found only in one or two genera of Tortricina. Rhopalodes is the nearest genus to this, but vein 5 is said to be obsolete, and the lobe does not form a pocket; in Sauris the areole is simple, and the antennæ thickly scaled; in Remodes the areole is also simple, the antennæ flattened and scaled, and the dorsum is furnished with three superposed lobular folds, so that it represents the extreme of development in this direction."—(Meyrick.)
It will be seen on reference to Plate II., figs. 22 and 23, which represent the structure of the hind-wings of the male and female of Tatosoma agrionata respectively, that in the male veins 1 and 2 are absent, having no doubt become absorbed during the formation of the characteristic sexual lobe; vein 8 is connected with the margin of the cell by an oblique bar, this being probably due to an extension of the wing in the costal region, compensating for the loss in the dorsal region due to the above-mentioned lobe. In the hind-wings of the female the normal neuration of the family is almost preserved, the only peculiar feature consisting in the origin of veins 6 and 7 from a point on the margin of the cell.
Of this remarkable genus we have three species, and I think it quite possible that others may reward the industry of future collectors.
TATOSOMA LESTEVATA, Walk.
(Cidaria lestevata, Walk. 1416. Sauris ranata, Feld. cxxxi. 11., Tatosoma lestevata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 67.)
(Plate VI., fig. 25 ♂.)
This beautiful species has occurred at Wainuiomata, near Wellington, in the North Island, and at Nelson and Christchurch, in the South Island.
The perfect insect appears in February. At present I believe the species is represented by four specimens only—two in Mr. Fereday's collection and two in my own.
TATOSOMA AGRIONATA, Walk.
(Plate VI., fig. 26 ♂, 27 ♀.)
This fine species has occurred commonly at Wellington in the North Island. It is generally distributed in the South Island, and has also been found at Stewart Island.
The perfect insect appears from December till April. It frequents dense forests, and is generally found at rest on the trunks of trees. In these situations the pattern of the fore-wings is extremely protective, the whole insect bearing the closest possible resemblance to a patch of moss. This species may also be taken at sugar, and sometimes at light, but I have found that it can be obtained most plentifully by a careful scrutiny of the tree-trunks in a favourable locality. As a rule I think that the males are considerably commoner than the females. I have noticed them in the proportion of about four to one.
TATOSOMA TIMORA, Meyr.
(Tatosoma agrionata, Meyr. (nec Walker), Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 68. Tatosoma timora, Meyr., ib. xvii. 64.)
(Plate VI., fig. 28 ♂, 29 ♀.)
This rather sombre, though interesting insect, has occurred at Palmerston and Wellington in the North Island, and at Christchurch and Akaroa in the South Island.
The perfect insect appears from November till May. It frequents densely wooded districts, but is not a common species.
Genus 2.—PARADETIS, Meyr.
"This singular genus is of quite uncertain affinity, and stands at present alone. The simple areole, and connecting bar of 7 and 8, can only have arisen by modification of the normal type of this family, to which it must be referred. It is also the only New Zealand genus except Declana in which the female has pectinated antennæ; but this character recurs in a few exotic genera not otherwise allied."—(Meyrick.)
Plate II., figs. 27 and 28 represent the neuration of the male of Paradetis porphyrias, vein 2 of the hind-wings being absent in that sex. In the female, which is the sex from which Mr. Meyrick characterized the genus, the vein is present as usual. Only one species is known.
PARADETIS PORPHYRIAS, Meyr.
(Parysatis porphyrias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 58. Paradetis porphyrias, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VI., fig. 36 ♂.)
This interesting little insect has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Castle Hill, the Otira Gorge, and Lake Wakatipu.
The perfect insect appears in January. It frequents rather open spots in the forest, and flies in a very busy manner close to the ground amongst the numerous ferns and other plants, which are always abundant in such situations. It is consequently very inconspicuous and sometimes difficult to capture. Thus, no doubt, it is often overlooked, and perhaps is much commoner than at present appears probable.
Genus 3.—CHLOROCLYSTIS, Hb.
"This genus is especially characteristic of New Zealand, and is also found in South Asia, a few stragglers occurring in Europe and elsewhere."—(Meyrick.)
We have twelve species, several of which are very beautiful.
CHLOROCLYSTIS PLINTHINA, Meyr.
(Pasiphila plinthina, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 49.)
(Plate VI., fig. 8.)
This pretty species has occurred at Wellington.
Many specimens of this insect are strongly tinged with green, and the shape and size of the white patches on the fore- and hind-wings are subject to slight variations.
The perfect insect appears in November and December. It frequents brushwood, where it may be occasionally taken at rest on tree-trunks but more often dislodged from the foliage. It is not a very common species.
CHLOROCLYSTIS BILINEOLATA, Walk.
(Plate VI., fig. 9 type, fig. 10 variety.)
This beautiful little species is common, and generally distributed throughout the country.
A very distinct variety frequently occurs in which the entire ground colour is orange-yellow. This variety can be artificially produced by exposing a typical specimen to the fumes of bruised laurel leaves. Intermediate forms may also be found, but are much scarcer than either the typical form or the variety.
The larva (according to Mr. Purdie) is about ½ inch long; colour brownish, surface very rugged; body tapering somewhat towards the head. Two pairs of small dorsal tubercles about the middle, the posterior pair being larger; oblique lateral dark markings faintly seen on dark ground colour; below lighter. Food-plants: Aristotelia, Leptospermum ericoides, Rubus (?), and Muhlenbeckia (?). Found in December and January.
The perfect insect appears from September till May, and is often very common. It rests on tree-trunks with outspread wings, in which position it so closely resembles a patch of moss that it is extremely difficult to detect, even when specially searched for.
CHLOROCLYSTIS ANTARCTICA, n. sp.
(Plate VI., fig. 20.)
This species was discovered by Mr. Philpott at West Plains, near Invercargill.
Two other specimens kindly given to me by Mr. Philpott have the bands on the fore-wings more or less brown in place of red, but are otherwise identical.
This insect is evidently very closely allied to C. bilineolata, but its larger size, longer wings, and barred cilia will, I think, distinguish it from that species.
The perfect insect appears in November.
CHLOROCLYSTIS ARISTIAS, Meyr.
(Chloroclystis aristias, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 385.)
(Plate VI., fig. 21 ♂, 22 ♀.)
This beautiful insect was discovered on the Mount Arthur Tableland in January, 1896, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet.
​The perfect insect was found in a limestone valley at the foot of Mount Peel, where it was fairly common.
CHLOROCLYSTIS NEREIS, Meyr.
(Pasiphila nereis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 51.)
(Plate VI., fig. 11 ♂.)
This insect has occurred at Mount Arthur, Mount Hutt, and the Humboldt Range, Lake Wakatipu, at elevations from 2,500 to 4,000 feet.
The perfect insect appears in January and February. It generally frequents cliffs on mountain sides, resting with outspread wings on the dark rocky surfaces. In these situations it is extremely difficult to detect, and the protective value of its colouring is thus at once demonstrated.
CHLOROCLYSTIS DRYAS, Meyr.
(Pasiphila dryas, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxiii. 97.)
(Plate VI., fig. 12 ♂.)
This species has occurred at Wellington.
The perfect insect appears in December and January, and is attracted by light. I once took a specimen in July, but this may have been due to an exceptionally mild winter.
CHLOROCLYSTIS SPHRAGITIS, Meyr.
(Pasiphila sphragitis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 51.)
(Plate VI., fig. 13 ♂, 14 ♀.)
This extremely variable insect has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Christchurch in the South Island.
The perfect insect may be met with from September till February, but is most abundant in the early spring. It is extremely common in the Wellington Botanical Gardens, frequenting the forest gullies, where numerous specimens may be easily dislodged from amongst the dense undergrowth. This moth rests with expanded wings on the leaves and stems of shrubs, but is extremely difficult to find in such situations, the colouring of the insect causing it to closely resemble the droppings of birds.
CHLOROCLYSTIS LICHENODES, Purd.
(Pasiphila lichenodes, Purdie, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 70.)
(Plate VI., figs. 15 and 16, varieties.)
This extremely interesting species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Dunedin in the South Island; it has also been found at Stewart Island.
I have observed that in many specimens of this species the ground colour is entirely pale brown instead of green; the markings, however, are not variable.
The perfect insect appears from November till February. It frequents forests, resting with outspread wings on lichen-covered tree-trunks, where its wonderfully perfect protective colouring may be seen to great advantage. The remarkable brown patches on the wings have undoubtedly been acquired for this protective purpose, and Mr. Purdie's name is certainly a most appropriate one. It is not, I think, a common species.
CHLOROCLYSTIS INDICATARIA.
(Eupithecia indicataria, Walk. 1708. Pasiphila indicataria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 52.)
(Plate VI., fig. 17 ♂, 17A ♀.)
This rather dull-looking species has occurred at Napier and Wellington in the North Island, and at Nelson in the South Island.
The perfect insect appears from October till March, and is fairly common in wooded localities. It is sometimes attracted by light.
CHLOROCLYSTIS INDUCTATA, Walk.
(Coremia inductata, Walk. 1322. Scotosia subitata, ib. 1362. Pasiphila inductata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 53.)
I am unacquainted with this insect.
CHLOROCLYSTIS MACULATA, n. sp.
(Plate VI., fig. 18.)
This interesting species was discovered at Wellington by Mr. W. P. Cohen.
The perfect insect appears in December, and is attracted by light.
Described and figured from a specimen kindly given to me by Mr. Cohen.
CHLOROCLYSTIS RECTILINEATA, n. sp.
(Plate VI., fig. 22.)
This species was discovered at Wellington by Mr. W. P. Cohen.
Described and figured from a specimen kindly given to me by Mr. Cohen.
Genus 4.—PHRISSOGONUS, Butl.
We have one species in New Zealand.
PHRISSOGONUS DENOTATUS, Walk.
(Scotosia denotata, Walk. 1361. Phibalapteryx parvulata, ib. 1721. Phrixogonus denotatus, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 53.)
(Plate VI., fig. 19 ♂.)
This dull-looking insect is common and generally distributed throughout the country.
The larva, which feeds on the blossoms of the wharangi (Brachyglottis repanda), is pale green with a series of elongate triangular brown markings down the back and an obscure series of brown marks on each side. It may be found during the latter end of October and beginning of November, but is extremely inconspicuous amongst its food-plant. The pupa is concealed in a light cocoon constructed of the remains of the blossoms.
The perfect insect appears from October till February. It frequents dense undergrowth in the forest, and is generally found resting with extended wings on the dark-coloured stems of the kawakawa (Piper excelsum), where it is practically invisible. In this situation its colouring is evidently specially adapted for protective purposes.
Genus 5.—ELVIA, Walk.
We have one species.
ELVIA GLAUCATA, Walk.
(Elvia glaucata, Walk. 1431; Feld. cxxxii. 25. Elvia donovani, Feld. cxxxii. 5. Elvia glaucata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 65.)
(Plate VI., fig. 23 and 24 varieties.)
This very pretty insect is generally distributed throughout the country.
The expansion of the wings is about an inch.
This species is extremely variable. In addition to the variations above indicated, the markings of many specimens differ considerably in intensity, and there are frequently several large cream-coloured blotches towards the base or middle of the forewings.
The perfect insect appears from September till March, but is not a common species. It frequents forest districts, and may sometimes be found at rest on tree-trunks, where the beautiful colouring of its fore-wings closely imitates that of certain lichens, and renders its detection in such situations extremely difficult. Unlike the insects included in the two preceding genera, this species closes its wings when at rest, the anterior pair alone being visible. These wings are not held flat, but are curiously folded longitudinally, and the end of the abdomen is also curled upwards. By slightly raising the insect above the level of the surrounding surface, this peculiar attitude considerably increases its resemblance to a lichen growing on the stem or branch of a tree. It will also be observed that in this species, which when at rest exposes only its fore-wings, these alone are protectively coloured; whilst in the genera Chloroclystis and Phrissogonus, where both pairs of wings are displayed, both pairs are protectively coloured.
Genus 6.—HYDRIOMENA, Hb.
"A very large genus, principally characteristic of temperate regions in both hemispheres.—(Meyrick.)
There are twelve New Zealand species.
HYDRIOMENA GOBIATA, Feld.
(Plate VI., fig. 43 ♂, 44 ♀.)
This insect has occurred plentifully at Wanganui and Wellington in the North Island, and is generally distributed throughout the South Island.
The larva (according to Mr. Purdie) is about 1 inch in length, greyish-brown, with a rough prominent dorsal tubercle about the ninth segment. There are sometimes other smaller tubercles. It feeds on various species of Coprosoma in January, March, and May.
The perfect insect appears from October till March, and generally frequents rather open country where Manuka and Cabbage Tree Palms are abundant.
HYDRIOMENA PRIONOTA, Meyr.
(Arsinoe prionata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 73. Anachloris prionata, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VI., fig. 47.)
This species has been taken in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Castle Hill and Dunedin.
The perfect insect appears in January, but is not common.
HYDRIOMENA DELTOIDATA, Walk.
(Plate VII., figs. 1 to 9 varieties.)
This pretty insect is extremely abundant throughout the country.
​This species is extremely variable, but may generally be recognised by a careful scrutiny of the above-named characters. One very striking variety occasionally met with has the central band of the fore-wing completely divided in the middle, which thus forms two dark patches, one on the costa, and one on the dorsum. (See Plate VII., figs. 7 and 8.) A further development of this variety, of which I have only seen one example, taken by Mr. Hawthorne at Springfield, Canterbury, and now in his collection, has only the costal patch present, the whole of the lower portions of the band being completely obliterated. (See Plate VII., fig. 9.) The minor varieties are too numerous to specify.
The larva feeds on grasses. When full-grown its length is about 1 inch. The colour is dark brown, with the skin very much wrinkled. It is sluggish in its habits, and lives through the winter, becoming full-grown about the end of September. During severe weather it generally seeks refuge from the elements amongst the stalks and roots of the rank herbage often surrounding stones or fallen logs.
The pupa is concealed in the earth.
The perfect insect appears early in January, and continues in the utmost profusion until the middle or end of March. It may often be seen resting with the wings folded backwards and forming together a triangle, whence the moth has probably derived its name of deltoidata. In the neighbourhood of Wellington I have observed that this insect has very much decreased in numbers during the last ten or fifteen years.
HYDRIOMENA HEMIZONA, Meyr.
(Hydriomena hemizona, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 385.)
(Plate VII., fig. 10.)
This insect has occurred at Terawhiti in the North Island, and at Mount Arthur in the South Island.
This species may be distinguished from any of the varieties of H. deltoidata by its narrower wings, and the absence of any distinct central band on the fore-wings.
The perfect insect appears in January. It is a scarce species.
HYDRIOMENA SUBOCHRARIA, Dbld.
(Plate VI., figs. 45 and 46 varieties.)
This species is fairly common and generally distributed throughout the country.
The perfect insect appears from November till April. It chiefly frequents tussock country and swampy situations. In the Wellington district it is extremely abundant in ​the clearings at the foot of the Tararua Range. According to Mr. Meyrick the typical form is common in Tasmania and Victoria.
HYDRIOMENA TRIPHRAGMA, Meyr.
(Cidaria triphragma, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 74.)
"A very distinct species, probably not variable.
"Blenheim; two specimens received by Mr. Fereday from Mr. Skellon."—(Meyrick).
I am unacquainted with this species, which Mr. Fereday stated he was unable to identify. I have therefore inserted Mr. Meyrick's description without alteration.
HYDRIOMENA RIXATA, Feld.
(Cidaria rixata, Feld. cxxxii. 1; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 75. Coremia squalida, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 505.)
(Plate VII., fig. 11.)
This pretty insect is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country.
The perfect insect appears in December and January, and frequents the overhanging banks of streams in densely wooded ravines, where it often occurs in the utmost profusion.
HYDRIOMENA PURPURIFERA, Fereday.
(Cidaria purpurifera, Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 119; Meyr., ib. 75.)
(Plate VII., fig. 12.)
This extremely pretty insect has been taken in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Mount Hutt, Castle Hill, Dunedin, and Lake Wakatipu.
This species is closely allied to Hydriomena rixata, but easily distinguished by its brighter green colouring, purplish central band with square projection, and broad white marking beyond the central band.
The perfect insect appears in December and January, and frequents forest at elevations of from 1,000 to 3,000 feet. It is found in drier situations than the ​preceding species, and is not confined to forest streams. It is common in certain localities, but is not nearly so generally distributed as Hydriomena rixata.
HYDRIOMENA SIMILATA, Walk.
(Cidaria similata, Walk. 1413. Cidaria timarata, Feld. cxxxii. 19. Cidaria similata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 76.)
(Plate VII., fig. 14.)
This beautiful species has occurred at Napier and Wellington in the North Island, and at Christchurch, Dunedin, Lake Wakatipu, and Invercargill in the South Island.
This species is rather variable. The spaces between the darker bands on the fore-wings are usually green, but in some specimens this is partially or wholly replaced by pale yellowish-brown. The dark bands also vary considerably in width and distinctness, and in many specimens the central band is entirely divided by a conspicuous pale brown or green transverse space.
The perfect insect appears from November till March. It is generally found resting on moss-covered tree-trunks, where its colouring affords it a most efficient protection from enemies.
HYDRIOMENA CALLICHLORA, Butl.
(Cidaria callichlora, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 509; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 76.)
(Plate VII., fig. 13.)
This beautiful insect has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Christchurch and Invercargill in the South Island.
The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March. Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
HYDRIOMENA ARIDA, Butl.
(Melanthia arida, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 505. Cidaria chaotica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 76. Cidaria arida, Meyr., ib. xvii. 64.)
(Plate VII., fig. 15.)
This species has occurred in the South Island at Akaroa, Mount Hutt, Arthur's Pass, and Dunedin.
The perfect insect appears in January and February, and frequents forest, sometimes being found as high as 2,600 feet above the sea-level. Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
HYDRIOMENA SIRIA, Meyr.
(Cephalissa siria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 93.)
(Plate VI., fig. 48.)
This odd little species was discovered by Professor Hutton at Dunedin.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
Genus 7.—EUCHŒCA, Hb.
"A small genus containing a few species distributed throughout the northern hemisphere and one Australian."—(Meyrick.)
We have one species.
EUCHŒCA RUBROPUNCTARIA, Dbld.
(Plate VI., fig. 35.)
This little species is common and generally distributed throughout both the North and South Islands, and has also occurred at Stewart Island.
This species varies considerably in the extent of the blackish marking near the middle of the fore-wings, as well as in the colour and intensity of the reddish transverse lines.
The food is Haloragis alata, a common herbaceous plant growing in swampy situations. The pupa is enclosed in a slight earth-covered cocoon.
​The perfect insect appears from September till March, and is sometimes common. It is generally found in wooded districts, but prefers rather open situations in the vicinity of streams, where its food-plant may often be seen. According to Mr. Meyrick, this insect is common in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, and the Australian and New Zealand specimens are similar in appearance.
Genus 8.—ASTHENA.
(Plate II., figs. 30 and 31.)
"A genus of a few widely scattered species most numerous in the Australian Region."—(Meyrick.)
We have two species.
ASTHENA PULCHRARIA, Dbld.
(Plate VI., fig. 37 ♂, 38 ♀.)
This beautiful little insect has occurred at many localities throughout both the North and South Islands. It is probably a common species in most wooded districts.
The perfect insect appears from October till May, and frequents dense forest undergrowth. It is chiefly attached to the Kawakawa (Piper excelsum), and may often be found resting with outspread wings on the under-surfaces of the leaves of this plant, where it is very inconspicuous. There are probably two or more broods during the summer.
On the 11th of May, 1892, I observed large numbers of this species flying over the Manuka bushes in the Wellington Botanical Gardens in brilliant moonlight. The night was very cold, but notwithstanding this the moths were most numerous and active. The appearance of this insect under such unusual conditions may have been quite accidental, as I have never seen a recurrence; but one is often somewhat unobservant in the winter, hence the record of this observation may be of use in directing the attention of others to the subject.
According to Mr. Meyrick this species is also found in Tasmania, and South-east Australia.
ASTHENA SCHISTARIA, Walk.
(Plate VI., figs. 39, 40 ♂, 41, 42 ♀ varieties.)
This pretty species is common, and generally distributed throughout the country.
This caterpillar is difficult to find, as it remains closely concealed amongst the dense Manuka foliage, from which it can be dislodged only by vigorous and continued beating. The larvæ allow themselves to fall a short distance, hanging suspended by a silken thread, which they rapidly ascend when the danger is past.
The pupa is enclosed in a slight cocoon about one inch below the surface of the earth.
The perfect insect appears from October till April. It is very common in most situations where its food-plant is found and, owing to its pale colour, is readily seen when flying in the evening twilight. Specimens may also be taken in the daytime resting with outspread wings on the trunks of trees and on fences, where they are much more easily detected than many other species.
Mr. Meyrick thinks that this insect will also be found in Australia.
Genus 9.—VENUSIA, Curt.
We have three species represented in New Zealand.
VENUSIA VERRICULATA, Feld.
(Cidaria verriculata, Feld. cxxxi. 20. Panopæa verriculata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 62. Pancyma verriculata, ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VI., fig. 30 ♂, 31 ♀.)
This remarkable species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and in the South Island at Christchurch, Ashburton, Dunedin and West Plains.
The perfect insect appears from October till May, and frequents the Cabbage Tree Palm (Cordyline), on which its larva probably feeds. According to Mr. Fereday the moth always rests on the dead leaves of the plant, keeping its wings in such a position that the lines are continuous with the parallel veins of the dead leaf, which they precisely resemble in appearance. We have, I think, in this species a most instructive instance of special adaptation to surrounding conditions; and the action of natural selection, in preserving favourable variations of colour and habit, appears to be here unmistakably indicated. Had our investigations been confined to the examination of cabinet specimens only, we might ​have long remained in the dark as to the explanation of such an unusual type of wing-marking.
VENUSIA XANTHASPIS, Meyr.
(Hermione xanthaspis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 61. Aulopola xanthaspis, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VI., fig. 32 ♂.)
This handsome insect has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur and at Lake Guyon.
The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March. It is apparently a rare species. Mr. Fereday has six specimens taken at Lake Guyon, and I have two specimens captured on the Tableland of Mount Arthur, at an elevation of about 3,500 feet. These comprise, I believe, all the specimens at present taken.
VENUSIA UNDOSATA, Feld.
(Cidaria undosata, Feld. cxxviii. 2. Epiphryne undosata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 60.)
(Plate VI., fig. 33 ♂, 34 ♀.)
This neatly marked little insect has occurred at Napier and Palmerston in the North Island; and at Nelson, Mount Hutt, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Lake Wakatipu in the South Island.
This species is rather variable: in some specimens the transverse lines are much broader, forming bands of reddish-brown; in others the whole of the wings are dull reddish-brown, except a small yellow area near the base; whilst others are entirely dull greyish-brown with the transverse lines very faint, intermediate varieties between all these forms also occurring.
The larva, according to Mr. Purdie, is about ½ inch long, feeding on the Ribbonwood (Plagianthus betulinus). The ground colour is green, with the dorsal and lateral stripes white. The dorsal stripe is interlined with short black dashes, and there is a dark blotch about the ninth segment. The dorsal and lateral stripes may be margined with purplish-red. The under side is green. The larvæ were found in April.
The perfect insect appears from November till February, and frequents forest. According to my experience it is rather a local species, although plentiful where found. Mr. Meyrick states that it is "very common in bush, from August to February, and in May."
Genus 10.—ASAPHODES, Meyr.
We have five species of this genus in New Zealand.
ASAPHODES ABROGATA, Walk.
(Plate VII., fig. 21 ♂.)
This species has occurred at Murimutu in the North Island; and in the South Island at Kekerangu, Christchurch, Castle Hill, Dunedin, and Invercargill.
This species varies considerably in the distinctness of the brown markings, and there is occasionally a transverse line near the base of the fore-wings.
The perfect insect appears in February and March, and frequents open country, often at elevations of from 2,000 to 4,000 feet above the sea-level. It is, I think, rather a local species, though abundant where found. I met with it in considerable numbers on the chalk range near Kekerangu in the Marlborough Province.
ASAPHODES SIRIS, Hawth.
(Asaphodes siris, Hawth., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxix. 283.)
(Plate VII., fig. 16.)
This interesting little species was discovered near Wellington by Mr. Hawthorne.
The perfect insect appears in March.
Described and figured from the type specimen in Mr. Hawthorne's collection.
ASAPHODES MEGASPILATA, Walk.
(Plate VII., figs. 17, 18, and 19 ♂; figs. 19A and 20 ♀, varieties.)
This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country.
This species is very variable. Some male specimens have several more or less distinct white markings on the middle of the fore-wings; the transverse bands also differ considerably in both size and intensity. The females are not so variable; but in some specimens the bands on the fore-wings are almost absent, whilst others have the fore-wings rich brown, with a very conspicuous dark central band.
The perfect insect appears from October till April, and frequents forest, where it is generally very abundant. It is a difficult insect to identify on the wing, and in consequence is often captured under a misapprehension.
This species probably hibernates in the imago state during the winter months, as we may often observe specimens abroad on mild evenings, at that season.
ASAPHODES PARORA, Meyr.
"Very variable in colour, but always distinguishable by the peculiar form of wing.
"Wellington, Christchurch, Mount Hutt; common amongst bush, in January, February, April, and May; probably generally distributed; twenty specimens."—(Meyrick.)
I am unacquainted with this insect, but it would appear to closely resemble A. megaspilata.
ASAPHODES RUFESCENS, Butl.
"Variable only in the degree of the brownish suffusion; in the markings of the fore-wings it agrees almost exactly with some forms of A. megaspilata, but, apart from structure, may be always known by the whitish hind-wings and rather larger size.
"Dunedin; ten specimens sent to Mr. Fereday by Capt. Hutton."—(Meyrick.)
I have only seen one specimen of this insect, in Mr. Fereday's collection, and it appeared to me to be identical with the somewhat variable female of A. megaspilata.
Genus 11.—XANTHORHOE, Hb.
​This interesting genus is relatively far more numerous in New Zealand than elsewhere, its place in other regions being largely taken by Hydriomena. We have no less than thirty-one known species, and many others will no doubt be ultimately discovered, especially in the mountainous districts of the west coast of the South Island.
XANTHORHOE LIMONODES, Meyr.
(Epyaxa limonodes, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 54.)
(Plate VII., fig. 46 ♂.)
This species has occurred at Wellington and at Cape Terawhiti in the North Island.
The species is rather variable. In many specimens the dorsal half of the fore-wing is much paler than the costal half.
The perfect insect appears from November till March, and frequents dense forest. It is not a common species.
XANTHORHOE SUBDUCTATA, Walk.
(Larentia subductata, Walk. 1198. Epyaxa subductata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 55.)
This species has occurred at Auckland.
The perfect insect appears in December.
XANTHORHOE ROSEARIA, Dbld.
(Plate VII., fig. 22 ♂, 23 ♀.)
This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island; and in the South Island at Akaroa, Christchurch, and Dunedin.
Both sexes vary slightly in the ground colour, and in the intensity of the markings. Mr. Purdie has pointed out that the species is very liable to fade, and hence it appears to vary more than is actually the case.
The food-plant is watercress.
The pupa, which is enclosed in a slight cocoon constructed of earth and silk, is found on the surface of the ground.
The perfect insect is most abundant in December, and is attracted by light. It seems to be about during the entire year, as Mr. Meyrick states that he has taken numerous specimens from May till September, and hence concludes that it is essentially a winter species. I can to some extent confirm this observation, as I have also found the insect during the winter, although not commonly. It is probable that there are several broods in the course of a year, and that the species hibernates as an imago.
Regarding the synonymy of this species Mr. Meyrick remarks that "C. ardularia, Gn., is the male and C. inamænaria, Gn., the female of this species. C. subidaria, Gn., quoted by Butler as a synonym, is an Australian species, and not identical."
XANTHORHOE OROPHYLA, Meyr.
(Epyaxa orophyla, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 71.)
(Plate VII., fig. 24 ♂, 25 ♀.)
This fine species has occurred in the South Island at Nelson, Castle Hill, Mount Hutt, Dunedin and Lake Wakatipu.
The perfect insect appears in December, January, and February. It frequents open country on the mountain sides, at elevations of from 2,500 to 4,000 feet.
​I observed it in great abundance on the Humboldt Range at the head of Lake Wakatipu, where it frequented the damp rocky precipices which were fringed with a luxuriant growth of Alpine plants. At Castle Hill it occurred much less commonly, so that it would appear to be most plentiful in the extreme south of New Zealand. The colouring is protective when the insect is resting on rock surfaces.
XANTHORHOE SEMIFISSATA, Walk.
(Plate VII., fig. 26 ♂, 27 ♀.)
This extremely pretty insect is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country.
The perfect insect appears from September till April, and is very common in rather open forest districts, usually frequenting undergrowth on the edges of the denser forest. It is often one of the earliest of the Notodontina to appear in spring, and its advent is then especially welcome to the collector after the long inaction of winter. It is evidently closely allied to X. orophyla, which appears to be the southern and Alpine representative of this interesting insect. Coremia ypsilonaria, Gn., is the male, and Cidaria delicatulata, Gn., is the female of this species.
XANTHORHOE LOPHOGRAMMA, Meyr.
(Xanthorhoe lophogramma, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 386.)
(Plate VII., fig. 47 ♂, 48 ♀.)
This species was discovered at Castle Hill in January, 1893.
XANTHORHOE CHLAMYDOTA, Meyr.
(Epyaxa chlamydota, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 72.)
(Plate VII., fig. 28.)
This very handsome species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Christchurch and Akaroa in the South Island.
The species varies a little in the depth of its colouring, but the markings appear to be constant. The perfect insect appears from November till April. It chiefly frequents forest, but is not a common species. At present, more specimens have been found in the Wellington Botanical Gardens than elsewhere.
XANTHORHOE STINARIA, Gn.
(Camptogramma stinaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 92. Larentia stinaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 78.)
(Plate VII., fig. 29 ♂.)
This species has occurred in the South Island at Christchurch, Dunedin, and at the foot of Mount Hutt.
The perfect insect appears in December and January. It seems to be fairly common, frequenting Carex subdola.
Described and figured from a specimen kindly given to me by Mr. Fereday.
XANTHORHOE MNESICHOLA.
(Larentia mnesichola, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 56.)
(Plate VII., fig. 39 ♂.)
This dull little species has occurred in the South Island on Mount Arthur, at elevations of from 4,000 to 4,800 feet.
The perfect insect appears in January. Mr. Meyrick states that it is rather common.
XANTHORHOE PRÆFECTATA, Walk.
(Plate VII., fig. 30.)
This interesting species has occurred in the South Island at the Dun Mountain, Mount Arthur, Christchurch, and Dunedin.
The perfect insect appears in November, December, January, and February. I do not think it is a very common species, and at present I have only observed it on the Dun ​Mountain near Nelson, at an elevation of about 2,700 feet above the sea-level. Here I took several specimens on the flowers of an Alpine veronica in the dusk of evening, and saw several others, which I was unable to capture. Mr. Meyrick has taken it on Mount Arthur at an elevation of 4,500 feet, and Mr. Fereday states that it frequents swampy places near Christchurch.
XANTHORHOE NEPHELIAS, Meyr.
(Larentia nephelias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 78.)
This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island at Arthur's Pass, West Coast Road, and he has since taken it on Mount Arthur.
"A remarkable-looking species.
"I took two fine specimens above Arthur's Pass (4,600 feet), in January."—(Meyrick).
I am unacquainted with this species. It is evidently very conspicuous and distinct.
XANTHORHOE CATAPHRACTA, Meyr.
(Larentia cataphracta, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 79.)
(Plate VII., fig. 33 ♂, 34 ♀.)
This large and conspicuous species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Arthur's Pass, Lake Guyon, and Lake Wakatipu.
The perfect insect appears from December till March, and frequents grassy slopes on the mountain sides, at elevations of from 3,000 to 4,000 feet. I observed this insect in great abundance on the Humboldt Range at the head of Lake Wakatipu, but have not found it at any of the other Alpine localities I have visited, so I imagine that it is a rather local species.
XANTHORHOE CLARATA, Walk.
(Plate VII., fig. 31 ♂, 32 ♀.)
This conspicuous species has occurred in the South Island at Lake Rotoiti, Mount Arthur, Castle Hill, Mount Hutt, Dunedin, and Lake Wakatipu.
There is slight variation in the details of the markings, but the species can always be immediately recognised.
The perfect insect appears in December, January, and February. It frequents open grassy places at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 feet, and is often extremely abundant in these situations.
XANTHORHOE COSMODORA, Meyr.
(Larentia cosmodora, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 57.)
This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island on Mount Arthur, at an elevation of 4,500 feet.
"Appears in January; one specimen. It is conceivable that this may be the other sex of the following species, but they are very dissimilar, and I do not at present think it probable."—(Meyrick.)
XANTHORHOE BRYOPIS, Meyr.
(Larentia bryopis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 57.)
Discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island on Mount Arthur, 4,500 feet above the sea-level.
"Appears in January; not uncommon. Nearest allied to X. beata."—(Meyrick.)
XANTHORHOE BEATA, Butl.
(Cidaria beata, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 397, pl. xliii. 6. Larentia beata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 79.)
(Plate VII., fig. 35 ♂, 36 ♀.)
This very beautiful species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, is common and generally distributed throughout the South Island, and has also been found at Stewart Island.
The white markings included in the central band are rather variable.
The egg is smooth, oval, and pale green in colour.
The food-plant is watercress.
The pupa is enclosed in a frail cocoon on the surface of the ground.
The perfect insect appears from October till March, and frequents forest. It is often dislodged from dense undergrowth during the daytime, and may be found in the evening on the blossoms of the white rata. It is very much commoner in some years than in others; but occasionally several seasons will pass without our noticing a single specimen of this attractive insect. The colouring is extremely protective when the moth is resting on moss-covered tree trunks.
XANTHORHOE ADONIS, n. sp.
(Plate VII., fig. 49 ♂.)
This extremely beautiful insect has occurred in the South Island at Castle Hill, and at Lake Wakatipu.
The perfect insect appears in January. It frequents forests at elevations of from 1,000 to 2,000 feet above the sea-level, but it is not common.
Mr. Meyrick regards this insect as identical with Xanthorhoe beata.
XANTHORHOE CHLORIAS, Meyr.
(Larentia chlorias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 80.)
This species was discovered in the South Island at Castle Hill, by Mr. Meyrick.
"A very beautiful and conspicuous species.
"I took one fine specimen in a wooded gully near Castle Hill, at 3,100 feet, in January."—(Meyrick.)
XANTHORHOE ÆGROTA, Butl.
(Selidosema ægrota, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 499. Larentia ægrota, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 80.)
(Plate VII., fig. 37 ♂.)
This rather inconspicuous species has occurred at Palmerston and Kaitoke in the North Island; and at Christchurch, Dunedin, and Lake Wakatipu in the South Island. It has also been taken at Stewart Island.
The perfect insect appears from November till March and is sometimes very common. It usually frequents rather open situations in the neighbourhood of forest, and I have often observed it amongst the bushes of "Wild Irishman" (Discaria toumatou.) It is extremely abundant on the banks of the River Dart, at the head of Lake Wakatipu.
XANTHORHOE LUCIDATA, Walk.
(Plate VII., fig. 38 ♂.)
This rather dull-coloured species has occurred at Napier, Palmerston, and Wellington in the North Island, and at Dunedin in the South Island.
The perfect insect appears during the winter months from March till August. It is rather a scarce species, but on mild evenings it is sometimes taken at light.
XANTHORHOE HELIAS, Meyr.
(Larentia helias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 81.)
(Plate VII., fig. 40.)
Two specimens of this species have been taken at Dunedin in the South Island.
The perfect insect appears in January.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
XANTHORHOE PRASINIAS, Meyr.
(Larentia prasinias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 81.)
(Plate VII., fig. 41.)
This bright-looking species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Castle Hill, and Invercargill.
The perfect insect appears in January, and frequents forest. It is found at elevations of from 2,000 to 3,000 feet, but is not by any means a common species.
XANTHORHOE CHIONOGRAMMA, Meyr.
(Larentia chionogramma, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 82.)
(Plate VII., fig. 42 ♂, 43 ♀.)
This rather dull-looking species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur and Mount Hutt.
The perfect insect appears in December and January, and frequents wooded valleys on the lower slopes of the mountains, at elevations of from 2,000 to 3,000 feet.
XANTHORHOE CAMELIAS, Meyr.
(Larentia camelias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 58.)
This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the North Island at Whangarei.
"Appears in December. Immediately recognisable by the peculiar form of forewings."—(Meyrick.)
XANTHORHOE FALCATA, Butl.
(Larentia falcata, Butl., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 58.)
A single specimen of this species is in the British Museum collection of New Zealand Lepidoptera. Of this specimen Mr. Meyrick remarks as follows:—
"This appears to be a good species allied to X. camelias, but with the costa of fore-wings less arched posteriorly, and posterior edge of median band practically straight, not bent near costa; also much darker in general colouring. I have not yet seen any specimen except the original type."
XANTHORHOE OBARATA, Feld.
(Cidaria obarata, Feld. cxxxii. 33. Larentia obarata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 82.)
(Plate VII., fig. 45.)
This little species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Christchurch and Mount Hutt in the South Island.
The perfect insect appears from November till January. Mr. Fereday states that it is a plain-frequenting species, especially attached to gorse hedges.
Described and figured from a specimen kindly given to me by Mr. Fereday.
XANTHORHOE CHORICA, Meyr.
(Larentia chorica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 58.)
(Plate VII., fig. 44.)
A single specimen of this beautiful insect was taken at Akaroa by Mr. Fereday.
The perfect insect appears in January.
Described and figured from the specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
XANTHORHOE SUBOBSCURATA, Walk.
(Scotosia subobscurata, Walk. 1358. Larentia petropola, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 82.)
This species has occurred in the South Island at the Otira Gorge.
"A fine species, with a peculiar bluish tinge.
"I took two specimens at rest on rock-faces in the Otira Gorge, at 1,800 feet, in January, and saw others."—(Meyrick.)
XANTHORHOE CINEREARIA, Dbld.
(Plate VIII., figs. 2 and 2A, varieties.)
This species is extremely abundant, and generally distributed throughout the country.
The variation existing in this species is very great, and is thus described by Mr. Meyrick: "Three main forms occur: one large, greyer, and more uniform; a second of middle size whiter and generally strongly marked sometimes bluish-tinged, only found in the hills; and a third small greyish but ochreous-tinged, strongly marked; these are connected by scarcer intermediate forms, and are, I believe, due to the direct effect of food and situation.
"The larva feeds on lichens."
The perfect insect appears from October till March, and frequents a great variety of situations. The colouring of the fore-wings is beautifully adapted for protection on lichen-covered banks, rocks, or fences, where specimens may often be found resting with closed wings during the daytime. This species flies rather freely at evening dusk, and may then be taken plentifully at sugar, blossoms or light. It is, however, a difficult matter to procure specimens in really good condition for the cabinet, as the insect is so extremely restless when confined in a box that if it is not killed at once, it will speedily injure itself during its struggles to escape. This moth is found at elevations ranging from the sea-level to 3,500 feet.
XANTHORHOE ANTHRACIAS, Meyr.
(Larentia anthracias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 84.)
This species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Hutt and Lake Wakatipu.
"Varies slightly in distinctness of pale markings.
"Mount Hutt and Lake Wakatipu (5,400 feet), on the open mountain sides, in December and January; twelve specimens."—(Meyrick.)
XANTHORHOE BULBULATA, Gn.
(Cidaria bulbulata, Gn., E. M. M. v. 94. Larentia bulbulata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 84.)
(Plate VIII., fig. 1.)
This species has occurred in the South Island at Kekerangu, Christchurch, Castle Hill, and Dunedin.
The perfect insect appears from September till March, and frequents open, grassy places, from the sea-level to elevations of from 2,000 to 3,000 feet.
Genus 12.—LYTHRIA, Hb.
We have two interesting little species in New Zealand. The genus also occurs in Europe, and probably elsewhere.
LYTHRIA CHRYSOPEDA, Meyr.
(Arcteuthes chrysopeda, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 48.)
(Plate VIII., fig. 33 ♂, 34 ♀.)
This bright-looking little species has been taken in the South Island at Mount Arthur.
The perfect insect appears in January and February. It frequents the tussock openings in the forest on the Tableland of Mount Arthur, at elevations of from 3,000 to 4,000 feet. In these situations it appears to be fairly abundant, flying actively in the hottest sunshine.
LYTHRIA EUCLIDIATA, Gn.
(Plate VIII., fig. 35 ♂.)
This pretty little species has occurred in the South Island at Lake Rotoiti near Nelson, Lake Guyon, Otira Gorge, Dunedin, and Mount Linton near Invercargill.
The perfect insect appears in February and March, and frequents open, sunny places, at elevations of from 1,000 to 2,000 feet above the sea-level.
Genus 13.—DASYURIS, Gn.
Of this genus we have four species in New Zealand.
DASYURIS ENYSII, Butl.
(Plate VIII., fig. 28.)
This species has occurred in the South Island on the Dun Mountain near Nelson, and at Mount Hutt.
The perfect insect appears in January and February, and frequents stony situations on the mountains, at elevations of from 2,500 to 4,000 feet. I have taken numerous specimens on the "Mineral Belt," Dun Mountain, but have not yet met with it elsewhere. This insect is probably often mistaken during flight for Notoreas brephos, from which it may easily be distinguished by its larger size, paler colouring, and simple antennæ of the male.
DASYURIS ANCEPS, Butl.
(Plate VIII., fig. 29.)
This species has been taken in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Castle Hill, and Arthur's Pass.
The perfect insect appears in January and February, and frequents bare rocky situations on the mountains, at elevations of from 4,000 to 5,000 feet. On one occasion I met with this species very plentifully, though in poor condition, on Mount Peel, near Mount Arthur; but subsequent visits have led me to think that, as a rule, it is rather a scarce species. The bluish-grey colouring of the fore-wings affords this moth a most efficient protection from enemies, whilst resting on the rocky ground which it always frequents.
Apart from special characters, the fainter colouring of this insect will at once distinguish it from any of the numerous allied species.
DASYURIS PARTHENIATA, Gn.
(Dasyuris partheniata, Gn., E. M. M. v. 93; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 92.)
(Plate VIII., fig. 30 ♂, 31 ♀.)
This bright-looking species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Mount Arthur and Mount Hutt in the South Island.
The species varies considerably in the extent of the dark markings, especially on the fore-wings.
The egg is oval and white, without sculpture.
The perfect insect appears from October till March, and frequents open, grassy situations. At Wellington, during October and November, it is common on the cliffs close to the shores of Cook's Strait, flying very rapidly on hot, sunny days, which renders its capture very difficult in such steep situations. Mr. Fereday's specimens were obtained amongst the tussock grass at the foot of Mount Hutt. The insect was also found plentifully on the slopes of Mount Arthur, at an elevation of about 4,500 feet above the sea-level, and also on the Tararua Range in the North Island.
DASYURIS HECTORI, Butl.
(Plate VIII., fig. 32.)
This very striking species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Mount Hutt, and Ben Lomond, Lake Wakatipu.
The perfect insect appears in December, January and February, and frequents rocky crags on mountains, at elevations of from 4,700 to 5,700 feet above the sea-level. It delights to rest on blackened rocks in the hottest sunshine, but dashes away with the greatest rapidity on the approach of the collector, so that it is generally rather difficult to capture.
Genus 14.—NOTOREAS, Meyr.
This interesting genus, of which we have no less than fifteen species, comprises a number of gaily coloured little insects, chiefly inhabiting mountain regions. All the species are day-fliers, and most of them only appear during the hottest sunshine. Mr. Meyrick regards the genus Notoreas as most closely approaching to the ancestor of the family Hydriomenidæ.
NOTOREAS INSIGNIS, Butl.
(Plate VIII., fig. 3 ♂.)
This very striking species has been taken in the South Island at Castle Hill.
The perfect insect appears in January. Mr. Fereday's specimens, which formed the basis for the above figure and description, were captured on a bare mountain side at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. Mr. Hawthorne has directed my attention to the remarkable similarity existing between the markings on the fore-wings of this species and those on Xanthorhoe stinaria.
NOTOREAS ORPHNÆA, Meyr.
(Pasithea orphnæa, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 85. Notoreas orphnæa, ib. xviii. 184.)
This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island at Lake Wakatipu.
"Imitative in colour of the dark lichen-grown rocks.
​"I took three specimens almost on the summit of Ben Lomond, Lake Wakatipu, at 5,600 feet, in January."—(Meyrick.)
NOTOREAS ISOLEUCA, Meyr.
(Notoreas isoleuca, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1897, 386.)
(Plate VIII., fig. 27.)
This little species has been taken in the South Island on the Craigieburn Range, near Castle Hill.
The perfect insect was captured in January, amongst a varied growth of stunted Alpine vegetation, at an elevation of about 5,600 feet.
NOTOREAS MECHANITIS, Meyr.
(Pasithea mechanitis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 86. Notoreas mechanitis, ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VIII., figs. 9, 10, 11, varieties.)
This insect has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Arthur's Pass and Mount Hutt.
The perfect insect appears from January till March, and flies with great activity in the hottest sunshine. It frequents grassy mountain sides at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 feet above the sea-level, and in these situations it is often very abundant.
NOTOREAS PARADELPHA, Meyr.
(Pasithea paradelpha, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 86. Notoreas paradelpha, ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VIII., figs. 12, 13, 14, varieties.)
In the South Island this insect has occurred on Mount Arthur, and on Ben Lomond, Lake Wakatipu, at elevations of from 3,600 to 5,000 feet.
The perfect insect appears in December, January and February. In habits it exactly resembles Notoreas mechanitis.
NOTOREAS PERORNATA, Walk.
(Fidonia perornata, Walk. 1672. Pasithea perornata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 87. Notoreas perornata, ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VIII., figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, varieties.)
This very pretty insect has occurred at Palmerston and Wellington in the North Island, and at Kekerangu, Mount Arthur, Lake Coleridge, Mount Hutt and Lake Wakatipu, in the South Island.
The perfect insect appears in February, March and April, flying very actively in the hot afternoon sunshine. It is extremely abundant on the coast hills in the neighbourhood of Wellington. It also occurs commonly at Kekerangu, and is occasionally found on mountains as high as from 3,000 to 4,000 feet above the sea-level. I have observed that all the Wellington specimens have the transverse lines on the fore-wings narrow and mostly white; those from Mount Arthur broad and white, those from Kekerangu and Lake Wakatipu broad and orange-yellow. The last-named forms approximate most closely to some of the very yellow varieties of Notoreas paradelpha.
NOTOREAS STRATEGICA, Meyr.
(Pasithea strategica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 87. Notoreas strategica, ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VIII., fig. 15.)
A single specimen of this conspicuous species was taken in the South Island at Lake Guyon, by Mr. W. T. L. Travers.
The perfect insect appears in January.
Described and figured from the type specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
NOTOREAS CALLICRENA, Meyr.
(Pasithea callicrena Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 87. Notoreas callicrena, ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VIII., fig. 16.)
A single specimen of this very handsome species was captured by Mr. Fereday in the South Island, high on the mountains at the head of Lake Wakatipu.
The perfect insect appears in January, and evidently frequents high mountains.
Described and figured from the type-specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
NOTOREAS NIPHOCRENA, Meyr.
(Pasithea niphocrena, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 88. Notoreas niphocrena, ib. xviii. 184.)
This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island, at Arthur's Pass, West Coast Road.
"Possibly when the male is known this may prove to be a Dasyuris.
"I took two specimens on the mountain-side above Arthur's Pass at 4,500 feet, in January."—(Meyrick.)
NOTOREAS SIMPLEX, n. sp.
(Plate VIII., fig. 26.)
A single specimen of this species was captured on Mount Arthur in the South Island.
The perfect insect appears in January.
The type-specimen was taken on the mountain-side, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet.
NOTOREAS FEROX, Butl.
(Plate VIII., fig. 17.)
Two specimens of this species were captured by Mr. J. D. Enys, at Castle Hill in the South Island.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
NOTOREAS ZOPYRA, Meyr.
(Pasithea zopyra, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 89. Notoreas zopyra, ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VIII., figs. 18 and 19, varieties.)
This bright-looking little species has occurred at Mount Arthur and at Mount Hutt, in the South Island.
​The perfect insect appears in January, frequenting shingle flats on the mountain sides, at about 4,000 feet above the sea-level. It flies rapidly in the hottest sunshine, and, when it alights on the stones, is extremely difficult to find. The brilliant hind-wings, which are very conspicuous when the moth is flying, quite disqualify the eye from detecting the extremely obscure object, which the insect instantly becomes when resting with its fore-wings alone exposed. This method of increasing the value of protective tints by means of bright colours temporarily displayed was very clearly described, I believe for the first time, by Lord Walsingham in his address to the Fellows of the Entomological Society of London, in January, 1891. It is certainly well exemplified by this and several other species of the genus Notoreas, and it will be at once noticed by the collector, how extremely difficult it is to follow these active little moths, as they fly with short and rapid flight over the grey rocks and stones, with which their fore-wings so completely harmonize; the momentary glimpse obtained of the brilliant hind-wings so completely deceives the eye, that there is much more difficulty in marking the spot where the insect alights, than would have been the case if the brilliant colour had never been displayed.
NOTOREAS VULCANICA, Meyr.
(Pasithea vulcanica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 89. Notoreas vulcanica, ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VIII., fig. 24.)
This species has been taken in the North Island at Makotuku, and the Kaweka Range, in the Hawkes Bay District.
The perfect insect appears from January to March. Mr. Meyrick states that he found it resting on the roads near Makotuku.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
NOTOREAS BREPHOS, Walk.
(Plate VIII., figs. 20, 21, 22, and 23, varieties.)
This very pretty species is common, and generally distributed throughout the country.
This insect is extremely variable, and, so far as I can judge from an extensive series, several of the varieties appear to indicate that both Notoreas zopyra and N. vulcanica may ultimately have to be ranked as varieties of N. brephos, but the evidence on this point is not yet conclusive enough to render such a course at present desirable.
​The perfect insect appears from December to March. It is very active, and is extremely fond of settling on roads or bare ground in the hot sunshine, instantly darting away on the approach of an enemy. It is also common on the mountains, and is often found at elevations of from 3,000 to 4,000 feet above the sea-level.
NOTOREAS OMICHLIAS, Meyr.
(Pasithea omichlias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 90. Notoreas omichlias, ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VIII., fig. 25.)
Two specimens of this dull-looking little species were captured at Castle Hill, by Mr. J. D. Enys.
The perfect insect was taken "high up" on the mountains, probably at an elevation of about 5,000 feet.
This species is probably often overlooked through being mistaken for Xanthorhoe cinerearia.
Genus 15.—SAMANA, Walk.
Of this genus we have two species in New Zealand.
SAMANA FALCATELLA, Walk.
(Samana falcatella, Walk. xxvii. 197. Panagra falcatella, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 93. Samana falcatella, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvii. 65.)
(Plate VIII., fig. 36.)
This unusual-looking species has occurred in the South Island, at Nelson and at Dunedin.
The perfect insect appears in February. It is apparently a rare species.
SAMANA ACUTATA, Butl.
(Samana acutata, Butl., P. Z. S. L. 1877, 401; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvii. 67.)
The type-specimen of this species exists in the collection of the British Museum. According to Mr. Meyrick, who made a cursory examination of it, the species differs from S. falcatella in the following respects:—
Family 2.—STERRHIDÆ.
Although less numerous than the preceding, the family is pretty evenly distributed throughout the world, but poorly represented in New Zealand. We have only one genus, viz., Leptomeris.
Genus 1.—LEPTOMERIS, Hb.
We have one species, which also occurs in Australia.
LEPTOMERIS RUBRARIA, Dbld.
(Plate VIII., fig. 37 ♂, 38 ♀.)
This pretty little insect is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country.
There is often considerable variation in the intensity of the colouring of this insect, some specimens being much darker than others, but the markings are very constant, and the species is thus always easily recognizable.
The eggs are yellowish-white, and very large for the size of the moth.
The young larva is brownish-purple with a dull white line on each side. The food-plant is unknown.
The perfect insect appears in January, February and March. In the late summer and autumn it frequents dried-up, weedy pastures, where it is often extremely abundant. Straggling specimens, which have probably hibernated during the winter, may also be taken in the early spring.
Mr. Meyrick states that this species occurs very commonly in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, and that there is no difference between Australian and New Zealand specimens.
Family 3.—MONOCTENIADÆ.
According to Mr. Meyrick this is to be regarded as a decaying family. In Australia it is still prominent, being represented there by nearly 100 known species.
We have two genera represented in this country—
1. Dichromodes.2. Theoxena.
Genus 1.—DICHROMODES, Gn.
There are three species belonging to this genus known in New Zealand.
DICHROMODES NIGRA, Butl.
(Cacopsodos niger, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc., Lond. 1877, 395, pl. xliii. 4. Dichromodes nigra, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 60.)
(Plate VIII., fig. 40.)
This little insect has been taken at Nelson.
The perfect insect appears in February. It occurs quite commonly on the track to the Dun Mountain, near Nelson, frequenting openings in the birch forest, where it may be captured at rest on bare ground in the hot sunshine, at elevations of from 1,500 to 2,000 feet.
DICHROMODES GYPSOTIS, Meyr.
(Cacopsodos niger, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 94 (nec Butl.). Dichromodes gypsotis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 60.)
This insect was discovered by Mr. Meyrick at Lake Wakatipu in the South Island.
Taken in December, at an elevation of about 1,500 feet above the sea-level.
DICHROMODES PETRINA, Meyr.
(Dichromodes petrina, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxiv. 216.)
(Plate VIII., fig. 39.)
This dull-looking little insect has occurred at Paikakariki and Wellington in the North Island, and at Kekerangu in the South Island.
The perfect insect appears in January, February and March. It frequents dry, open, sunny situations, generally alighting on paths or roads. It is also attracted by light.
Genus 2.—THEOXENA, Meyr.
We have one species.
THEOXENA SCISSARIA, Gn.
(Panagra scissaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 43. Theoxena scissaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 56.)
(Plate VIII., fig. 41.)
This delicate-looking species has occurred at Christchurch.
The perfect insect appears in January. According to Mr. Fereday it frequents the plains near Christchurch, and towards the foot of Mount Hutt.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
Family 4.—ORTHOSTIXIDÆ.
This small family is represented in New Zealand by a single genus only. The peculiar oblique bar connecting vein 8 with the cell towards base, combined with the development of vein 5, distinguish it from all other families. If there is any chance of confusion with those forms of Hydriomenidæ in which vein 8 is also connected by a bar (though in them the bar is placed beyond and not before the middle of cell), the absence of the characteristic areole of the Hydriomenidæ will be a further test.
Genus 1.—EPIRRANTHIS, Hb.
Represented in New Zealand by two species.
EPIRRANTHIS ALECTORARIA, Walk.
(Plate VIII., figs. 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47, varieties; Plate III., fig. 24, larva.)
This species has occurred in tolerable abundance at many localities in both the North and the South Islands. It is probably generally distributed throughout the country.
Most of the varieties closely resemble the varied hues of fading leaves. In many of the forms greyish speckled marks occur on various parts of the wings, no doubt imitating the irregular patches of mould which are often present on dead leaves. One very well-marked variety is bright yellow, with the costa rosy and two large white-centred rosy spots arranged transversely on each wing. (See Plate VIII., fig. 47.) All the specimens of this insect are so extremely variable that it is almost impossible to adequately describe the species. The apex of the fore-wing is always very acute; the termen is bowed just below the apex, and is furnished with slight indentations of variable depth. The termen of the hind-wing is also furnished with variable indentations.
The young larva is very pale green, with the head brownish-yellow. At this early stage its colouring already completely harmonises with that of the under side of the leaves of its food-plants, Pittosporum eugenioides and P. tenuifolium.
The remarkable shape and colouring of this caterpillar, in conjunction with the peculiar attitude assumed when at rest, affords it complete protection, causing it to resemble, in the closest possible manner, one of the buds of its food-plant. These larvæ grow very slowly, and probably occupy three or four months in attaining their full size. They are very sluggish in their habits. The pupa is greenish-brown in colour. It is enclosed in a cocoon, constructed of two or three leaves of the food-plant, fastened together with silk. The insect remains in this condition for three weeks or a month. The moth first appears about the end of October, and is met with until the middle of March. It frequents forest, where it is occasionally dislodged from amongst the undergrowth. It is also found in the evening on the flowers of the white rata. It is, however, rather uncertain in its appearance, being much commoner in some years than in others.
EPIRRANTHIS HEMIPTERARIA, Gn.
(Plate VIII., fig. 48 ♂, 49 ♀; Plate III., fig. 19, larva.)
This remarkable-looking species has occurred in the North Island, at Auckland and Wellington. At present it has not been observed in the South Island.
This species varies much in the intensity of the markings, and in the number of the black dots on both the fore- and hind-wings. The peculiar outline of its hind-wings, however, distinguishes it from any other species with which I am acquainted.
The larva feeds on veronicas in September and October.
During the daytime these caterpillars firmly clasp the stem of their food-plant with their prolegs, and hold the rest of their body rigidly out from the branch. In this position they are very inconspicuous, and may readily be mistaken for young leaves or twigs. At night they become much more active, and may then be seen walking about and feeding.
The pupa is rather robust, with a sharp spine at its extremity. Its colour is pale olive-brown, with the wing-cases and sides of the abdomen pinkish. It is not enclosed in any cocoon, but is merely concealed amongst the dead leaves and rubbish around the stem of the veronica. The insect remains in this state for less than a month, so that the protection of a cocoon would appear to be unnecessary.
The moth appears in December and January. It usually frequents gardens and other cultivated places, probably on account of the number of veronicas that are often growing in such situations. It is also attracted by blossoms and by light, but is not a common species. The colouring and wing-outline of this moth cause it to very closely resemble a dead leaf, especially when resting amongst foliage or on the ground. This insect may be occasionally noticed abroad on mild evenings in the middle of winter; the females probably hibernate and deposit their eggs early in the spring.
Family 5.—SELIDOSEMIDÆ.
"A very large family, equally common throughout all regions. It varies considerably in superficial appearance, and is also remarkable for the variability of structure of veins 10 and 11 of the fore-wings in many (not all) species. Imago with body slender to rather stout; fore-wings broad to rather elongate, triangular; posterior tibiæ of male often enlarged and enclosing an expansible tuft of hairs. The structure termed the fovea is a circular impression on the lower surface of the fore-wings above the dorsum near the base, usually placed about the origin of the basal fork of 1b; it is generally confined to the male, and is often sub-hyaline, sometimes surmounted by a small thickened gland; it may possibly be a scent-producing organ. It is strictly confined to that branch of which Selidosema is the type, but is not invariably present there.
​Of this extensive family we have nine genera represented in New Zealand:
| 1. Selidosema. | 4. Sestra. | 7. Azelina. |
| 2. Hybernia. | 5. Gonophylla. | 8. Ipana. |
| 3. Chalastra. | 6. Drepanodes. | 9. Declana. |
Genus 1.—SELIDOSEMA, Hb.
This genus is universally distributed and of considerable extent. We have nine species in New Zealand.
SELIDOSEMA FENERATA, Feld.
(Rhyparia fenerata, Feld. cxxxi. 7. Zylobara fenerata, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 498. Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 97.)
(Plate VIII., fig. 50 ♂, 51 ♀.)
This species is common, and generally distributed throughout the country.
This insect varies slightly in the depth of its colouring. It may be distinguished from the allied species by the peculiar outline of the hind-wings in the male, and by the pale grey colouring of the female.
The perfect insect appears from October till March and is very common. It has a great liking for the faded fronds of tree-ferns, from which specimens may often be dislodged. Both sexes are very abundant at various blossoms during the evening, and are also attracted by light. The female is sometimes observed in the winter months, and probably hibernates.
SELIDOSEMA RUDIATA, Walk.
(Cidaria rudiata, Walk. 1420. Boarmia astrapia, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 218. Boarmia rudiata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxiii. 101.)
(Plate IX., fig. 1 ♂, 2 ♀.)
This species is fairly common in the neighbourhood of Wellington, and has occurred at Dunedin, and at Stewart Island. It is probably generally distributed throughout the country.
This species varies a good deal in size; the specimens from Stewart Island are ​considerably larger and have more distinct markings, than those found in the vicinity of Wellington.
The larva is cylindrical, of even thickness throughout, and almost uniform dull greyish-brown in colour, occasionally with a series of small oblong black marks on segments 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. It feeds on the young leaves and buds of the ake ake (Olearia traversii). It is extremely difficult to find as it almost exactly resembles a twig of its food-plant. It is full grown about April.
The pupa is concealed in the earth.
The perfect insect appears from October till March. It seems to prefer cultivated districts, and is generally observed at rest on garden fences or tree-trunks. It also frequents flowers in the evening.
SELIDOSEMA SUAVIS, Butl.
(Plate IX., fig. 3 ♂, 4 ♀.)
This species is very common and generally distributed throughout the country, and has occurred as far south as Stewart Island.
This insect is rather variable, some specimens of both sexes being much darker than others; but all the forms may usually be recognised by their dull speckled colouring and absence of conspicuous markings.
The larva feeds on the white rata (M. scandens) and the tawa (Beilschmiedia tawa).
The pupa is concealed amongst refuse on the ground, the larva constructing no cocoon before changing.
The perfect insect appears from October till April, and may often be observed on mild days in the middle of winter. It is common in forest districts, where it is usually seen resting on the tree-trunks, in which situation its colouring must afford it efficient protection from many enemies.
SELIDOSEMA HUMILLIMA, n. sp.
(Plate IX., fig. 5.)
This inconspicuous-looking insect has occurred at Wellington.
This species may be readily distinguished from the other species of the genus by its small size and by the obliquity of the costal stripes. In S. humillima the costal markings slope very rapidly from the base towards the termen; in the ​other allied species these markings are but slightly inclined, and in some cases slope in the reverse direction.
The perfect insect appears from December till March. It frequents the immediate neighbourhood of Wellington, but is not a common species. At present I am only acquainted with the male insect.
SELIDOSEMA PRODUCTATA, Walk.
(Plate IX., figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 ♂ varieties, 11, 12, 13, and 14 ♀ ditto; Plate III., fig. 22, larva.)
This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout both the North and South Islands. It has also occurred at Stewart Island.
The expansion of the wings of the male is 1⅜ inches, of the female 1⅛ inches.
This is an extremely variable insect. In some specimens there are very extensive white patches on the wings, whilst in others the colouring is almost uniform rich brown, and the characteristic markings can only be detected with difficulty. It may, however, be distinguished from the allied species by the interrupted pale jagged transverse line near the termen and by the absence of greenish colouring.
It feeds on the white rata (Metrosideros scandens). During the day it firmly grasps a stem of its food-plant with its prolegs, holding the rest of its body out from the branch in a perfectly straight and rigid position. When in this attitude it so exactly resembles a twig, that, even in the case of captive specimens, it is often a matter of the greatest difficulty to find a caterpillar amongst the branches. Several times I have even caught hold of a larva, thinking it to be a twig, so perfect is the resemblance. At night these larvæ become much more active, and by the aid of a lantern they may then be seen busily walking about and feeding.
The pupa is enclosed in a slight cocoon about two inches below the surface of the earth. The larvæ of the autumnal brood remain in this condition during the winter, but in the case of the spring and summer broods the pupa state only occupies a few weeks.
The moth appears from November till May. It is very common in forest regions, and may be observed resting on the trunks of the trees, its pale yellow hind-wings being completely concealed by the mottled brown fore-wings. In this position the insect is almost invisible, and the protection afforded by its colouring is at once apparent. In the autumn evenings it is often very abundant at the blossoms of the white rata.
SELIDOSEMA ARISTARCHA, Meyr.
(Selidosema aristarcha, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxiv. 216.)
(Plate IX., fig. 17 ♂, 18 ♀; Plate III., fig. 17, larva.)
Of this fine species only about a dozen specimens have hitherto been captured, all of which have occurred in the immediate vicinity of Wellington. It is consequently at present a rarity, but future collectors will probably find the insect in many other parts of the country.
This insect varies slightly in size.
The larva feeds on Cyathea dealbata (tree-fern) in September. Its colour is dull reddish-brown with an irregular brownish-black blotch on the side of each segment, and a dark brown dorsal line. It is very sluggish in its habits.
The pupa is concealed amongst moss, &c., on the surface of the ground, the insect remaining in this state for about six weeks.
The moth appears from September till March, and frequents dense forests. It has been dislodged from its food-plant in the daytime, and has also been taken on the flowers of the white rata in the evening.
SELIDOSEMA MELINATA, Feld.
(Plate IX., fig. 15 ♂, 16 ♀.)
This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country.
This species is extremely variable, but may always be recognised by its greenish tinge, and the absence of indentations on the termen of both fore- and hind-wings.
The larva, according to Mr. Purdie, is about ¾ inch long; dull green with darker longitudinal striations. It may be beaten from New Zealand broom (Carmichælia) in February. There must be some other commoner food-plant, as the moth is found in many localities where the New Zealand broom does not occur.
The perfect insect appears from November till March, and is generally very abundant in all wooded districts. It is also common in birch forests on the mountain sides, where it may be taken at altitudes of from 3,000 to 4,000 feet above the sea-level. ​In the lowlands I have observed as many as half a dozen specimens on a single tree-trunk. Whilst resting in this situation they are very inconspicuous, the colouring of the fore-wings harmonizing perfectly with the insect's surroundings, and the pale-coloured hind-wings being then entirely concealed by the upper pair. In connection with this fact it is very interesting to notice that in all those cases where the hind-wings are exposed to view during repose, they are protectively coloured in a similar manner to the fore-wings. It will be observed that the two following species of Selidosema exhibit protective colouring on both pairs of wings, these being invariably exposed when the insects are at rest.
SELIDOSEMA DEJECTARIA.
(Plate IX., figs. 19, 20, 21 and 22 ♂ varieties, 23 and 24 ♀ ditto; Plate III., fig. 12, larva.)
This large insect is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country.
This insect is very variable, but its large size and oblique transverse lines suffice to distinguish it from any of the other allied species.
The larva feeds on a great variety of plants, mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus), white rata (Metrosideros scandens), Solanum aviculare, fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata), and Pennantia corymbosa being amongst the number. The caterpillar may often be recognised by a large hump, which is situated on each side of the third segment. Its colouring appears to be so entirely influenced by its surroundings that a description is impossible. For instance, larvæ taken from the pale green foliage of the mahoe resemble in colour the twigs of that plant; others captured feeding on the white rata are dark reddish-brown, those from Solanum aviculare are purplish slate-colour, whilst those from the fuchsia are pale olive-green tinged with brown, like the sprouting twigs.
The pupa is enclosed in a slight cocoon situated about two inches below the surface of the ground. Those larvæ which become full grown in the autumn remain as pupæ during the winter, but the summer broods only remain in the pupa state a few weeks.
The perfect insect appears from November till March. It has a great partiality for resting with outspread wings on the walls of sheds and outhouses, where it is frequently noticed by the most casual observer. It is very common in most situations, and may be taken in large numbers at sugar, light, or blossoms, during the whole of the summer. Its extreme abundance and great variability, in both the larval and imago states, would render it a good subject for a series of experiments, resembling those conducted by Messrs. Poulton and Merrifield on several allied European species.
SELIDOSEMA PANAGRATA, Walk.
(Plate IX., figs. 25, 26, 27, and 28 ♂ varieties, 29 and 30 ♀ ditto.)
This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country. It has occurred as far south as Stewart Island.
This species is so extremely variable that a more detailed description would be useless; its numerous forms may, however, be at once recognised by the unbroken jagged transverse lines of both fore- and hind-wings.
The larva is quite as variable as the perfect insect. When very young it is bright green, with a conspicuous white dorsal line; as age advances the caterpillar becomes dark olive-brown, sometimes striped with paler brown or green, whilst many specimens retain the green colouring throughout the whole of their lives. The favourite food-plant is the kawa-kawa (Piper excelsum), which the larvæ voraciously devour, thus causing the riddled appearance which the leaves of that plant almost invariably present. These larvæ often select a forked twig to rest in, where they lie curled round, with the head and tail close together. Other food-plants are Aristotelia racemosa and Myrtus bullata. Those caterpillars found on the latter plant are strongly tinged with pink, and are consequently very inconspicuous amongst the young shoots, where they generally feed. The burrows of the larvæ of Hepialus virescens are frequently utilised by the caterpillars, which feed on the Aristotelia, as convenient retreats during the winter. When full-grown these caterpillars descend to the ground and construct loose cocoons of silk and earth on the under sides of fallen leaves. The moth usually emerges in about a month's time, but the autumnal larvæ either hibernate or remain in the pupa state throughout the winter.
The perfect insect appears from October till April. It frequents forest and is extremely common. It also occurs in great abundance on the white rata blossoms in the autumn, and specimens may be occasionally seen even in the depth of winter.
Genus 2.—HYBERNIA, Latr.
We have one species.
HYBERNIA INDOCILIS, Walk.
(Zermizinga indocilisaria, Walk. 1530. Hybernia boreophilaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 61. Hybernia indocilis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 97.)
(Plate IX., fig. 31 ♂, 32 ♀.)
This species has occurred plentifully in the neighbourhood of Christchurch.
The perfect insect appears from July to January. Mr. R. W. Fereday states that the male is found plentifully at rest on the bare ground, amongst Leptospermum, and the female on the stems.
Described and figured from specimens kindly given to me by Mr. Fereday.
Genus 3.—CHALASTRA, Walk.
This genus is represented by one species only.
I have made a very careful examination of several denuded specimens of Chalastra pelurgata, and I find that in the fore-wings veins 9, 10, and 11 rise almost from a point. Vein 10 afterwards approaches closely to 9, but does not actually touch it, and consequently does not form a true areole. Vein 12 also appears to me to be free.
CHALASTRA PELURGATA, Walk.
(Chalastra pelurgata, Walk. 1430. Itama cinerascens, Feld. cxxxi. 1. Stratocleis streptophora, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 106.)
(Plate IX., figs. 33 and 34 ♂ varieties, 35 and 36 ♀ ditto; Plate III., fig. 21, larva.)
This species is very abundant in the neighbourhood of Wellington. It has also occurred at Palmerston North, and is probably common throughout the whole of the North Island. In the South Island it has been taken in the Otira Gorge, and at Dunedin, Otara and Invercargill.
This is a very variable insect, especially in the male, some specimens of which sex are very much clouded and dappled with dark brown both on the fore- and hind-wings. ​Many of these darker forms might readily be taken for distinct species, when compared with the pale orange-brown variety, but a good series of specimens presents numerous intermediate forms which completely connect these extreme varieties. The females also vary, but are never as dark as the males.
The larva feeds on Todea hymenophylloides, a fern which grows in shady places in the depths of the forest. The length of the caterpillar when full grown is about 1¼ inches. It is very variable; some specimens are dull brown, with a row of green or pale brown lunate spots down each side, and a dark brown line down the back. Others are bright green, with a diagonal reddish-brown stripe on the side of each segment; the segmental divisions are reddish-brown, intersected by numerous very minute whitish lines.
The pupa is enclosed in a loose cocoon on the surface of the ground.
The perfect insect appears from November till March, and is very common in forest regions. It may often be dislodged from the dead fronds surrounding the stems of tree-ferns, and is also met with in great abundance towards the end of summer on the blossoms of the white rata.
Genus 4.—SESTRA, Walk.
We have two species in New Zealand.
It will be seen that my figure of the neuration of Sestra humeraria does not precisely agree with Mr. Meyrick's description. The differences in the results arrived at are probably due to the variability in structure of veins 10, 11 (and 12), mentioned when dealing with the characters of the entire family. Similar slight discrepancies also occur in connection with the three following genera.
SESTRA HUMERARIA, Walk.
(Plate X., figs. 1 and 2 varieties; Plate III., fig. 20, larva.)
This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout both the North and the South Islands; it also occurs plentifully at Stewart Island.
This is a variable species. The fore-wings are often much clouded with rich brown, and in some specimens scarcely a trace of the original purplish colour remains; the central straight transverse line is often absent, and the other lines are frequently very indistinct, except on the costa; the dots on the hind-wings are also often absent, and occasionally specimens are met with in which all the wings are almost white.
​It feeds on Pteris incisa, a beautiful pale green fern, attaining a height of four feet or more, and growing in open situations in the forest. This fern is especially abundant on old decaying logs situated amongst light brushwood. When disturbed these larvæ immediately drop to the ground and coil themselves up. In this situation they are very inconspicuous, as their colouring so closely resembles that of the faded fronds or stems of the fern.
The pupa is buried in the earth about two inches below the surface, the insect remaining in this state during the winter months.
The moth first appears about September, and continues in great abundance until the end of March or beginning of April. It frequents forest, and is noticed most commonly in the neighbourhood of its food-plant. There are probably several broods in the course of a year.
SESTRA FLEXATA, Walk.
(Cidaria flexata, Walk. 1421.)
(Plate IX., fig. 37.)
This species has occasionally occurred in the neighbourhood of Wellington. I have no records of its capture elsewhere, but expect it will be found to be generally distributed.
This insect varies considerably in the intensity of its colouring. It has long been considered as merely a variety of Sestra humeraria, but as I have not observed any intermediate forms, although the two insects frequently occur together, I think it may be regarded for the present as a distinct species.
The perfect insect appears from October till December, and is found in the same localities as S. humeraria.
Genus 5.—GONOPHYLLA, Meyr.
Of this genus we have but one species.
GONOPHYLLA NELSONARIA, Feld.
(Plate X., figs. 3 and 4 ♂ varieties, 5 and 6 ♀ ditto.)
This handsome insect is common in the neighbourhood of Wellington. It has also occurred at Nelson and Dunedin, and is possibly generally distributed throughout the country.
The variation of this insect is considerable, especially in the male. The ground colour of the fore-wings often inclines to dull brown, or even dull yellowish-brown; the light and dark mottling, and the greyish markings near the termen are sometimes hardly visible; there is often a yellowish blotch opposite the large angle in the termen of the fore-wing. The hind-wings also are very variable in their colouring. All these varieties exist in the female in a less pronounced degree.
The perfect insect appears during the first week in February, and is generally over by the middle or end of March. The males are first noticed, the females not appearing until about a fortnight later. I have never taken this insect in the daytime, and in fact have never seen it except on the blossoms of the white rata, where, on fine evenings, it is often very abundant. As yet, however, Wellington is the only locality where I have met with it.
Genus 6.—DREPANODES, Gn.
A characteristic South American genus. The single New Zealand species is very similar to some South American forms."—(Meyrick.)
DREPANODES MURIFERATA, Walk.
(Plate X., figs. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 ♂ varieties, 12 ♀.)
This species is very abundant in the neighbourhood of Wellington. It has also been taken at Taranaki, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill and Stewart Island, and is probably common and generally distributed throughout the country.
Both sexes of this insect are very variable. In the male, the ground colour ranges from dingy-brown to bright orange-brown; the transverse lines differ much in intensity, and in some specimens the central area of the wings enclosed by them is much darker than either the basal or the marginal portions; occasionally there is a series of black markings between the outer transverse line and the termen of the fore-wings, whilst the transverse line itself is frequently edged with a band of paler ​colouring. The female also varies in the ground colour and in the intensity of the transverse lines, which are sometimes marked by a few black dots.
The larva, according to Mr. Purdie, is light grey, cylindrical, about ⅝ inch in length. It may be beaten in February from an undergrowth of Carpodetus and Aristotelia.
The perfect insect appears from November till March. It frequents dense forest and is often very abundant. The colouring of the upper and under surfaces of its wings, and the shape of the wings are both very protective, giving the moth an exact resemblance to a dead leaf. When disturbed, the insect adds to this deception by keeping its wings quite motionless and rigidly extended, and allowing itself to fall through the air like a leaf. The resemblance in this case to the inanimate object is very perfect, and has no doubt enabled the moth to escape from many enemies. It is, in fact, an extremely interesting example of the simultaneous development of structure and instinct in a useful direction, through the agency of natural selection.
This species is much attracted both by light and by blossoms.
Genus 7.—AZELINA, Gn.
We have three species in New Zealand.
AZELINA GALLARIA, Walk.
(Plate X., figs. 13 to 20 ♂ varieties, 21 to 23 ♀ ditto.)
This species is very common in the neighbourhood of Wellington. It has also occurred at Palmerston North, Makotuku, Christchurch, Dunedin and Stewart Island.
This species, as will be seen from the foregoing, is so extremely variable that a more detailed description would be useless, especially as the straight, oblique, transverse lines of both fore- and hind-wings will at once distinguish it from the two other members of the genus.
​The perfect insect appears from November till March. It frequents dense forest, and is most abundant at the flowers of the white rata in the evening. Earlier in the year, before the rata blooms, it may sometimes be taken at sugar.
AZELINA OPHIOPA, Meyr.
(Gonophylla ophiopa, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 387.)
(Plate X., fig. 26 ♂, 27 ♂ variety, 28 ♀.)
This species has occurred occasionally in the neighbourhood of Wellington, but has not yet been recorded from any other locality.
The only variety of this species which has come under my observation is a male. In this specimen all the wings are pale yellowish-brown, with very broad black transverse lines. (See Plate X., fig. 27.)
This insect is evidently closely allied to Azelina fortinata. It may, however, be distinguished from that species by the smaller projections on the termen of the fore- and hind-wings, and the dotted transverse lines of the male.
The perfect insect appears from January till April. It is met with much later in the season than either of the two other species of Azelina. It frequents forest, and may be found on the blossoms of the white rata, but is, I think, the rarest of the genus.
AZELINA FORTINATA, Gn.
(Polygonia fortinata, Gn., E. M. M. v. 41. Caustoloma (?) ziczac, Feld. cxxxii. 4. Azelina fortinata, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 106.)
(Plate X., fig. 24 ♂, 25 ♀.)
This beautiful insect occurs occasionally in forests in both the North and the South Islands. It has been taken at Wellington, Nelson, Castle Hill, Akaroa, Mount Hutt, West Plains and Otara.
This species varies a little in the depth of the ground colour, but not otherwise.
The perfect insect appears in December, January and February. It frequents dense forest, and is generally disturbed from amongst ferns and undergrowth.
Genus 8.—IPANA, Walk.
We have one species in New Zealand.
IPANA LEPTOMERA, Walk.
(Ipana leptomera, Walk., Noct. 1662.)
(Plate X., figs. 29, 31, and 31A ♂ varieties, 30 ♀.)
This species is common in the neighbourhood of Wellington, and I expect generally distributed throughout New Zealand; but as there appears to have been some confusion in Mr. Meyrick's papers between it and the female of Declana junctilinea, I am unable to assign the localities there mentioned to either of the species.
In a few male specimens I have observed four large black spots on the fore-wings, two near the base, and two near the termen. All these spots are sometimes joined together by a very broad black band, which extends along the whole of the central portion of the fore-wings. I have also a male specimen in which the fore-wings are entirely marbled with dark grey. In the female two or three moderately large spots are occasionally present on the fore-wings, near the termen. All these varieties appear to be much scarcer than the typical form.
The larva, which feeds on manuka (Leptospermum), has ten legs. It is rather slender, dark brown, mottled with grey and dull red. There are two large tubercles on the sides of the seventh and eighth segments. It is a sluggish caterpillar and is generally seen in a motionless condition, clasping the stem of its food-plant with its prolegs, and holding the rest of its body in a perfectly rigid position like a small branch. The pupa is enclosed in a cocoon of silk and refuse on the surface of the ground.
The perfect insect appears in January, February and March. It is a forest-dwelling species, and may often be captured in some numbers, at dusk, on the flowers of the white rata (M. scandens). It is very sluggish and nearly always drops to the ground when disturbed and feigns death.
Genus 9.—DECLANA, Walk.
We have seven species.
DECLANA ATRONIVEA, Walk.
(Plate X., fig. 33 ♂, 34 ♀; Plate III., fig. 18, larva.)
This very handsome and conspicuous insect appears to be restricted to the North Island, where it is rather rare. It has occurred at Wellington, Otaki, and Napier.
This species varies considerably in the size and shape of the black markings on the fore-wings, which are often slightly different on the opposite sides, in the same specimen.
The eggs of this moth are oval in shape, slightly roughened on the surface and light blue in colour. They are deposited towards the end of October. The young larva escapes by gnawing a hole out of the side.
These larvæ often coil themselves up when at rest, clinging firmly with their large prolegs to their food-plant. Whilst thus engaged they have a very remarkable appearance. I have not yet ascertained the precise object of the peculiar shape and coloration of this caterpillar. It appears to resemble very closely a lichen-covered twig, but I suspect in this case there is something more special aimed at.
In connection with this subject, it is noteworthy that the flattened extremities of the elytra of the beetle, Ectopsis ferrugalis, closely resemble in both shape and colour the remarkable anterior segments of the larva of D. atronivea. As both insects feed on the same plant, and thus exist under very similar conditions, it is highly probable that the peculiarities have been independently acquired in each species for similar purposes.
The pupa is enclosed in a light cocoon amongst dead leaves, &c, on the surface of the ground.
​The perfect insect appears in February and March, and may sometimes be taken at blossoms in the evening. It is also attracted by light, and has been found occasionally, in the daytime, resting on tree-trunks. It hibernates during the winter, coming abroad again the following spring to lay its eggs. I have observed that a good many pupæ from the autumnal brood do not emerge until September or October, so that the insect evidently spends the winter both as a pupa and as an imago.
DECLANA EGREGIA, Feld.
(Chlenias egregia, Feld. cxxxi. 24; Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xii. 268, pl. ix. 2. Detunda egregia, Meyr., ib. xvi. 101.)
(Plate X., fig. 35.)
This very handsome insect has occurred in the South Island at Nelson, Christchurch, Akaroa and the Otira Gorge.
The perfect insect appears from November till February. It is a very rare species.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
DECLANA FLOCCOSA, Walk.
(Plate X., figs. 39 to 43 ♂ varieties, 44 to 47 ♀ ditto.)
This species has occurred very commonly at Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. It is probably generally distributed throughout the country.
This insect is so extremely variable that I have given descriptions of a few of the principal varieties below; all these forms may, however, be connected by specimens exhibiting every intermediate gradation both in colour and in markings.
2. Fore-wings covered with numerous black spots (formerly known as Declana nigrosparsa) (fig. 47).
3. Fore-wings with two more or less conspicuous curved black or brown lines from costa to dorsum (figs. 41, 42, and 44).
4. Fore-wings with these transverse lines joined by two others running parallel to dorsum and costa.
5. Fore-wings with transverse lines and black spots (fig. 43).
6. Fore-wings diffused with dark greyish-black, except two broad bands of the original light colour extending from costa to dorsum; hind-wings darker than usual (fig. 45).
All these varieties occasionally have tufts of orange-yellow scales on both the wings and on the body, and they also vary in other minor particulars (fig. 46).
The egg of this insect when first laid is oval in shape and light green in colour, becoming bronzy a few days before the emergence of the larva. The young larva is very attenuated, with only ten legs. ​Its colour is pale yellow striped with brownish-pink near the segmental divisions. It is very active, and does not devour the egg-shell after emergence.
This caterpillar is, however, very variable, its colouring appearing to depend largely on its surroundings. The favourite food-plants are Leptospermum ericoides and Aristotelia racemosa. The larvæ found on the former plant are usually pale yellowish-brown, whilst those from the latter are much darker brown, often mottled with grey like the stems of the Aristotelia. A specimen I once found on a mountain beech (Fagus cliffortioides), the gnarled stem and branches of which were covered with grey lichens and mosses, was mottled with the most beautiful shades of greenish-grey. These larval varieties are very interesting, and in order to test the direct influence of food on the colouring of the larvæ, I once divided a batch of eggs deposited by a single female into two equal parts, and fed one half on Aristotelia, and the other half on Leptospermum. The differences in colouring between the two lots of larvæ thus treated were, however, of the most trivial description. This somewhat surprised me at first, as I had previously observed quite distinct varieties on each plant, when found in a state of nature. Hence I am now disposed to think that these differences have been brought about gradually, by natural selection acting on larvæ feeding on the same plant for a large number of generations. By this means a sufficient amount of variation might be accumulated, to cause the closest possible approximation in colouring to the stems of the several food-plants. It is also noteworthy that many of these food-plants grow in widely dissimilar localities, so that the free inter-breeding of insects dependent on them would not be likely to occur, and thus the peculiarities of colouring adapted to the stems of each food-plant would not be disturbed by the effects of inter-breeding.
In connection with the foregoing experiment it is also interesting to observe, that the specimens fed on Aristotelia matured much more rapidly than those on Leptospermum; the former plant evidently being the more nourishing food for the larvæ. Also that out of the batch fed on Aristotelia 28 became moths, of which 12 were males and 16 females; whilst out of those fed on Leptospermum only 24 became moths, of which 15 were males and 9 females. In all other respects, excepting food-plant, the two lots of larvæ were subjected to identical treatment.
During the day this larva rests quietly attached to the stem of its food-plant, where it is very difficult to detect, as the filaments so closely embrace the twig or tree-trunk that the whole insect exactly resembles a swelling in the stem.
The pupa of D. floccosa is enclosed in a loose cocoon on the surface of the ground.
The perfect insect appears about September, and continues in more or less abundance until the end of April. There are most likely several broods in a season, and, as we frequently meet with specimens of the moth on mild days in the middle of winter, it probably also hibernates.
This insect is usually observed at rest on fences and tree-trunks, where its grey mottled colouring causes it to closely resemble a patch of lichen.
DECLANA JUNCTILINEA, Feld.
(Plate X., fig. 37 ♂, 38 ♀.)
This species has occurred occasionally in the Wellington Botanical Gardens. It is no doubt found elsewhere, but I cannot give any other localities with certainty.
This moth varies in the intensity of the markings, which in some specimens are very indistinct.
The perfect insect appears from November till March. It is generally captured on blossoms in the evening.
DECLANA HERMIONE, n. sp.
(Plate X., fig. 36.)
A single specimen of this very handsome insect was captured at Khandallah near Wellington.
The type specimen was captured at sugar in November.
DECLANA GRISEATA, n. sp.
(Plate X., fig. 32 ♀.)
This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Lake Wakatipu in the South Island.
The perfect insect appears in January, and is attracted by light. It is a scarce species.
DECLANA NIVEATA, Butl.
(Declana niveata, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 500. Atossa niveata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 104.)
This species has occurred at Dunedin, in the South Island.
"I took one fine specimen at rest on a tree-trunk near Dunedin, in February."—(Meyrick.)
Family 6.—SPHINGIDÆ.
"This family is generally distributed, but is most plentiful in the tropics. The imagos are usually large insects, with stout, heavy bodies, elongate-triangular fore-wings with very oblique termen, and relatively small hind-wings; the wing muscles are very strong, and the flight exceptionally powerful. Ovum spheroidal, smooth. Larva stout, usually with an oblique, projecting anal horn, anterior segments sometimes retractile or raised in repose. Pupa subterranean."—(Meyrick.)
Only one genus is represented in New Zealand, viz., Sphinx.
Genus 1.—SPHINX.
"A moderately large genus, ranging over the whole world, but principally characteristic of America. Imago flying at dusk, feeding on the wing."—(Meyrick.)
This genus is represented in New Zealand by one almost cosmopolitan species.
SPHINX CONVOLVULI, L.
(Protoparce distans, Butl. Sphinx convolvuli, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 213.)
(Plate XIII., fig. 1.; Plate III., figs. 13 and 14 varieties of larvæ.)
This handsome insect often occurs in the northern portions of the North Island, but becomes very rare southward of Napier and New Plymouth. In the South Island it has been taken at Nelson, and recently a very mutilated specimen of what appears to be this species has been found by Mr. Philpott, near West Plains, Invercargill. With these exceptions I have not heard of its appearance in any other localities in the South Island.
The larva feeds on Convolvulus. Like many of the caterpillars of the Sphingidæ, there are two very distinct varieties: one is bright green, with white spiracles, and a series of diagonal yellow lines above them; the other is dull yellowish-brown, with broad blackish-brown dorsal and ventral lines, and a series of triangular blackish spots above the spiracles, which in this variety are jet-black. In both these forms of ​larvæ the anal horn is dark red tipped with black, and the skin is covered with numerous fine wrinkles. The length of the caterpillar when full grown is 3½ inches.
About the middle or end of February these larvæ generally bury themselves in the ground, where they are transformed into pupæ. They remain in that condition until the following summer.
The pupa is about 2 inches in length and is of a dark mahogany-brown colour. It is furnished with a large curved process, projecting from the lower side of the head, and containing the enormous proboscis of the future moth.
The perfect insect appears in November and December. It flies with incredible velocity at evening dusk, and is often observed hovering over flowers, and whilst poised in the air above them, extracts the honey with its long proboscis. Mr. A. P. Buller has very kindly furnished me with the following interesting notes on the habits of this species, as observed by him in the Auckland district:—
"During the summer of 1879 I came across S. convolvuli in great numbers, near Ohinemutu, in the Hot Lake district, frequenting at dusk a tall, delicately perfumed meadow flower (Œnothera biennis, commonly called the evening primrose). They were to be seen on the wing soon after sundown, and on warm, still evenings literally swarmed. It was an extremely pretty sight to watch their rapid movements as they darted from flower to flower, never alighting, and keeping up a constant vibration of their wings as they probed the yellow blossoms. They appeared to be extremely local, for I only met with them on a few of the grassy slopes round the shores of Lake Rotorua. I visited the same locality two years later, at the same season, and only occasionally saw one, although the evening primrose was in full bloom at the time. In 1882 I captured several at flowers of the trumpet-tree (Brugmansia) in a garden near Auckland. The same summer I found large numbers of the larvæ at Waiwera (near Auckland), on a species of convolvulus growing in profusion on the sandhills in the vicinity. Although the larvæ were so abundant I never came across the perfect insect. I obtained some twenty or thirty of the pupæ, but unfortunately was never successful in hatching out the imago. As far as my knowledge goes, this beautiful moth is confined to the Auckland and Waikato districts, although I have heard of a single specimen being taken in Hawkes Bay."
I am also much indebted to Mr. Buller for the loan of a very perfect specimen of this moth, expressly lent to me for figuring and describing in the present work.
Mr. Meyrick informs us that this insect occurs throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the islands of the South Pacific, wherever a suitable situation is found, and has been met with far out at sea. In America it is represented by a form which seems to be regarded as specifically distinct, but which he thinks is probably identical. If this be the case the insect is practically cosmopolitan.
* ↑ N. Z. 'Journal of Science,' July, 1884.
* ↑ N. Z. 'Journal of Science,' July, 1884.
* ↑ A second specimen of this variety has since occurred in the neighbourhood of Nelson.
* ↑ Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 60.
* ↑ Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 60.
* ↑ N. Z. 'Journal of Science,' July, 1884.
* ↑ Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 60.
* ↑ Trans. N. Z. Inst. xviii. 208.
* ↑ Ib. xvi. 71.
* ↑ Ib.
* ↑ Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 78.
* ↑ Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 82.
* ↑ Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 83.
* ↑ Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 86.
* ↑ In connection with these three species of Notoreas I should here mention that I have a number of specimens in my collection which appear to me to establish a complete transition between N. mechanitis, N. paradelpha, and N. perornata. From a careful study of these specimens I am led to believe that these three forms are really only varieties of one very variable species. Mr. Meyrick does not at present share this opinion, but I am disposed to think that this is chiefly due to the comparatively limited number of specimens he has had the opportunity of examining. In any case I do not regard the question of the specific or varietal values of these, or indeed of any other forms, as matters of great scientific importance, being, to a great extent, merely matters of individual opinion.
* ↑ Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 57.
* ↑ Mr. Meyrick now includes these three species in the genus Gonophylla. (See Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 387.)
* ↑ 'Trans. N. Z. Inst.' xxii. 214.