CHLOROCLYSTIS MACULATA, n. sp.
(Plate VI., fig. 18.)
This interesting species was discovered at Wellington by Mr. W. P. Cohen.
The expansion of the wings is about 7/8 inch. _All the wings are
creamy-white slightly tinged with green. The fore-wings have several
irregular large black marks on the costa_ extending about {45}two-thirds
towards the apex; there is a curved transverse series of black dots at
about two-thirds, and several obscure brown marks on the termen near the
middle and at the tornus. _The hind-wings have several irregular rows of
conspicuous black spots._ The cilia are cream-coloured barred with black.
The apex of the fore-wing is very much rounded.
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.
The expansion of the wings is ¾ inch. _The fore-wings are pale grey_;
there are several irregular black, transverse lines near the base, very
broad on the costa; a broad, pale, central area with no distinct
markings; _then two very fine, almost straight, parallel, dark transverse
lines alternating with two broader white lines, and followed by a very
conspicuous black line, this being again immediately followed by a
fainter black line_; beyond these lines the wing is darker, with a wavy
transverse white line and a row of black terminal marks. The hind-wings
are grey with several faint, wavy, transverse lines and a series of
darker marks on the termen. The cilia of all the wings are grey.
Described and figured from a specimen kindly given to me by Mr. Cohen.
Genus 4.--PHRISSOGONUS, Butl.
"Face with short cone of scales or smooth. Palpi moderate or short,
porrected, more or less rough-scaled. Antennæ in male ciliated or naked.
Posterior tibiæ with all spurs present. Fore-wings in male with swelling
or tuft or rough scales on costa, vein 5 sometimes distorted or absent;
areole simple, 11 running into 12. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing
with cell from near base to beyond middle."--(Meyrick.)
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 [M].)
This dull-looking insect is common and generally distributed throughout the
country.
The expansion of the wings is ¾ inch. _The fore-wings are very dark
grey_, with numerous obscure black and pale brown transverse lines; there
are several black dots on the veins, and a white mark on the termen near
the apex. The hind-wings are pale grey with numerous wavy black lines,
especially near the dorsum. _The antennæ are simple in both sexes._ The
cilia are dull pink barred with black. The female is slightly tinged with
reddish-brown. _The male has a peculiar dilation on the costa, beyond the
middle, beneath which is a naked longitudinal mark occupying the space
between veins 10 and 12, these veins being slightly distorted in
consequence._
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.
{46}Genus 5.--ELVIA, Walk.
"Face smooth. Palpi rather long, straight, porrected, densely
rough-scaled above and beneath, terminal joint short. Antennæ in male
stout, flattened, bipectinated (2½). Thorax somewhat crested. Fore-wings
with vein 6 from a point with 9, 7 from angle of areole, 10 anastomosing
moderately with 9, 11 out of 10, running shortly into 12. Hind-wings with
veins 6 and 7 stalked, 8 anastomosing with 7 from near base to near
transverse vein."--(Meyrick.)
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.
_The fore-wings vary from pale green to dark steely blue_, rarely pale
reddish-brown; _there is an almost straight, black transverse line near
the base; a broad curved line before the middle, shaded towards the
termen; then a straight line, breaking up into dots towards the dorsum,
followed by a conspicuous cream-coloured blotch near the costa; this
again is followed by a fine jagged cream-coloured line_; there is a
terminal series of black dots. The hind-wings are cream-coloured, tinged
with steely blue or green towards the termen; there are a few obscure
transverse lines and a short series of dots from the dorsum. The apex of
the fore-wing is very blunt, and the termen is slightly hollowed out
towards the tornus; _the termen of the hind-wings is deeply scalloped_.
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.
"Face with somewhat projecting or loose scales, or with conical tuft.
Palpi rough-scaled. Antennæ in male ciliated, rarely dentate or naked.
Abdomen not crested, or with crests on two basal segments only.
Fore-wings with areole double. Hind-wings with 8 anastomosing with cell
from near base to beyond middle. (See Plate II., fig. 32 head, figs. 33
and 34 neuration of _Hydriomena deltoidata_.)
"A very large genus, principally characteristic of temperate regions in
both hemispheres.--(Meyrick.)
There are twelve New Zealand species.
{47}HYDRIOMENA GOBIATA, Feld.
(_Cidaria gobiata_, Feld. cxxxi. 2. _Phibalapteryx simulans_, Butl.,
Cist. Ent. ii. 506. _Phibalapteryx undulifera_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii.
506. _Phibalapteryx anguligera_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 507.
_Phibalapteryx rivularis_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 507. _Scotosia gobiata_,
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 70. _Cephalissa gobiata_, ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VI., fig. 43 [M], 44 [F].)
This insect has occurred plentifully at Wanganui and Wellington in the
North Island, and is generally distributed throughout the South Island.
The expansion of the wings is from 1 to 1¼ inches. _All the wings vary
from pale ochreous to rather dull yellowish brown, sometimes very
slightly tinged with green. There is usually a large number of fine,
slightly waved, oblique lines arranged on both pairs of wings, very like
the markings in Venusia verriculata_ (see page 53), both insects
evidently having acquired this style of colouring for similar protective
purposes. In many specimens the whole of the anterior portion of the
fore-wings, a small area at the base of the hind-wings, and a band near
the termen are much paler in colour than the rest. There is usually a
very oblique elongate pale area near the apex, and an irregular dark spot
considerably below the apex. The outline of all the wings is more or less
distinctly scalloped.
The larva (according to Mr. Purdie[27]) 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 expansion of the wings is rather under 1½ inches. The fore-wings are
dull yellowish-brown, with many obscure, wavy, transverse, brown lines,
which tend to form two ill-defined bands, one rather narrow near the base
and the other much broader near the middle of the wing. _The hind-wings
are very pale yellowish-brown_; there are a few obscure dark lines near
the dorsum. _The veins are distinctly dotted in black, and the outline of
all the wings is deeply scalloped._
The perfect insect appears in January, but is not common.
HYDRIOMENA DELTOIDATA, Walk.
(_Coremia deltoidata_, Walk. 1321. _Cidaria inclarata_, Walk. 1411.
_Cidaria perductata_, Walk. 1412. _Cidaria congressata_, Walk. 1412.
_Cidaria conversata_, Walk. 1413. _Cidaria descriptata_, Walk. 1414.
_Cidaria bisignata_, Walk. 1415. _Cidaria aggregata_, Walk. 1415.
_Cidaria congregata_, Walk. 1415. _Cidaria plagifurcata_, Walk. 1416.
_Coremia pastinaria_, Gn., E. M. M. v. 64. _Cidaria inopiata_, Feld.
cxxxii. 3. _Cidaria monoliata_, Feld. cxxxii. 8. _Cidaria perversata_,
Feld. cxxxii. 14, 24. _Scotosia deltoidata_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst.
xvi. 70. _Cephalissa deltoidata_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VII., figs. 1 to 9 varieties.)
This pretty insect is extremely abundant throughout the country.
The expansion of the wings varies from 1-1/8 to 1-3/8 inches. The
fore-wings vary from brownish-black to dull orange-brown; there is a
small darker area near the base, then two pale whitish wavy transverse
lines, then a broad darker central band, often containing within it a
still darker central band, bounded by two wavy black transverse lines;
beyond the central band there are nearly always two or three pale brown
or whitish, wavy, transverse lines, then an interrupted line just before
the termen, and a short oblique whitish line below the apex; there is a
black dot a little above the centre of the wing, and _a white dot on the
termen near the middle_. The hind-wings are yellowish-brown, with several
wavy, transverse lines near the dorsum; there is a series of fine
crescentic black lines on the termen of both fore- and hind-wings.
{48}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.[28] (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.
The expansion of the wings is about 1-3/8 inches. The fore-wings are
blackish-brown, darker towards the apex and termen; _there is an obscure
rust-red wavy band near the base, and another at three-fourths,
considerably bowed towards the termen at the middle_; there are also
numerous wavy darker lines. The hind-wings are dull grey, and the termen
is slightly scalloped.
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.
(_Aspilates (?) subochraria_, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 285. _Camptogramma
subochraria_, Butl., Cat., pl. iii. 16. _Camptogramma strangulata_, Gn.
x. 423. _Camptogramma fuscinata_, Gn., E. M. M. v. 92. _Arsinoe
subochraria_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 73. Anachloris subochraria,
Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VI., figs. 45 and 46 varieties.)
This species is fairly common and generally distributed throughout the
country.
The expansion of the wings is about 1¼ inches. _The fore-wings are bright
ochreous-yellow_; there is a brown dot a little above the middle, _and a
dark brown transverse band at about three-fourths; the termen is shaded
with dark brown_. The hind-wings are ochreous, with an obscure central
transverse line.
A variety (_Hydriomena fuscinata_, Gn.) often occurs in which the whole
of the wings are more or less tinged with purplish-brown (Plate VI., fig.
46).
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 {49}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.)
"_Male._--26-27 mm. (about 1 inch). Fore-wings moderate, termen strongly
sinuate; pale dull greyish-purple; a very small darker basal patch, outer
edge strongly convex, margined by a dark fuscous fascia, posteriorly
whitish-edged; a dark fuscous fascia before one-third, irregularly
outwards-curved, posteriorly suffused, anteriorly sharply defined and
whitish-edged; a minute blackish discal dot; a dark fuscous fascia beyond
middle, forming a strong angle in middle, upper and lower halves both
inwards-curved, anteriorly suffused, posteriorly sharply defined and
whitish-edged. Hind-wings moderate, termen somewhat irregular, projecting
in middle; whitish-ochreous mixed with pale purplish; an angulated darker
band before middle.
"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 expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings have a dull
green patch near the base, with numerous dull brown and dull white wavy
transverse lines; _there is a very broad blackish-brown central band
paler in the middle, but almost black at the edges; this band has a large
rounded projection on its outer edge near the middle, and below this
projection it is deeply indented_; the remainder of the wing is dull
yellowish-green, with several brown and white transverse lines; one of
the white lines is more conspicuous than the rest and very wavy; there is
a shaded oblique black mark from the apex. The hind-wings are very pale
yellowish-brown; there are a few obscure brownish transverse lines near
the dorsum, and a faint series of crescentic marks near the termen.
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.
The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are rather
bright green; there is a darker area near the base, _a very broad
purplish-brown central band, with a large square projection on the middle
of its outer edge; above this projection there is a very conspicuous
white mark, bordering the central band_; the remainder of the wing is
green; there is a wavy white line near the termen, and an oblique
bluish-black mark near the apex. The hind-wings are pale brownish-yellow.
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 {50}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.
The expansion of the wings is 1¼ inches. _The fore-wings are dark brown,
with the veins and margins broadly shaded with bright green; there are
numerous irregular wavy blackish streaks forming three ill-defined darker
transverse bands_; the first at the base; the second from one-fourth to
about two-thirds, partially divided into two from the costa downwards;
and the third near the termen outwardly edged with white. The termen
itself is bordered first with green, and then with a series of fine black
marks; the cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are very pale
reddish-brown, darker towards the dorsum, with numerous pale brown wavy
transverse lines. There is a series of black crescentic marks on the
termen, and the cilia are pale reddish-brown.
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 larva, according to Mr. Purdie, is about 1 inch long, cylindrical.
Back a dull deep green; lateral stripe reddish-white, edged below with a
darker colour; ventral side lighter green, with four parallel white or
yellow lines close together, extending from the forelegs to the prolegs.
Outer side of prolegs white. There are traces of a median dorsal stripe
of brownish-red on the anal segments. Beaten from _Coprosma_. Found in
January. Mr. Purdie states that he is not quite certain as to the
identification of the species, as the median belt of the fore-wings is
much more distinctly defined, and the colour is a duller green than is
usual in _H. similata_.
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 expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. _The fore-wings are bright
green, with three very distinct wavy black transverse lines_; the first
near the base, the second a little before the middle, and the third
considerably beyond the middle; between these there is a number of
fainter fine wavy lines. The hind-wings are whitish with several very
faint wavy transverse lines; the cilia of all the wings are dull
yellowish-brown.
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 expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are dull grey; there
is a fine yellowish {51}transverse line near the base, _and a very broad
central band with a prominent projection somewhat below the middle,
almost touching the termen_; there is a brown dot above the middle of the
wing and numerous fine brown wavy lines in the central band; the veins
are marked in white near the termen. The hind-wings are pale ochreous,
with a few very faint transverse marks near the dorsum. The termen of the
fore-wings is slightly bowed in the middle.
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.
The expansion of the wings is 5/8 inch. _The fore-wings are rich brown
with two transverse bands of darker brown_; the first near the base,
rather narrow; the second near the middle, considerably broader,
especially on the costa. _The hind-wings are bright orange._ The termen
of the fore-wings is slightly excavated below the apex, and considerably
bowed a little below the middle.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
Genus 7.--EUCHOECA, Hb.
"Face smooth, flat. Antennæ in [M] shortly ciliated. Palpi short,
slender, loosely scaled. Fore-wings with areole simple. Hind-wings with
vein 8 anastomosing with cell to beyond middle.
"A small genus containing a few species distributed throughout the northern
hemisphere and one Australian."--(Meyrick.)
We have one species.
EUCHOECA RUBROPUNCTARIA, Dbld.
(_Ptychopoda rubropunctaria_, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. li. 287. _Asthena
visata_, Gn. ix. 438. _Asthena_, Gn., E. M. M. v. 42. _Asthena
pulchraria_, Butl., Cat. pl. iii. 18. _Hippolyte rubropunctaria_, Meyr.,
Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 60. _Epicyme rubropunctaria_, Meyr., ib. xviii.
184.)
(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.
The expansion of the wings is about 7/8 inch. _All the wings are pale
ochreous, with numerous obscure reddish transverse lines._ On the
fore-wings there are four transverse series of black dots; the first near
the base, the second a little before the middle, the third a little
beyond the middle, and the fourth on the termen; between the second and
third series of dots there is very frequently _an elongate blackish
patch, especially towards the dorsum_. The hind-wings have three series
of black dots; the first near the base, the second near the middle, and
the third on the termen. The termen of both fore- and hind-wings slightly
projects near the middle.
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 larva is thus described by Mr. Fereday:[29] "The caterpillar has ten
legs, is cylindrical, rather stout, with the segmental divisions incised;
its colour is pale dull green, sometimes suffused with pink, brown,
purple, or dark green; the dorsal line is purplish-brown, suffused, the
central line whitish; the spiracular line is whitish, broadly margined
with purplish-brown; the segmental divisions are pale yellowish-brown."
The food is _Haloragis alata_, a common herbaceous plant growing in swampy
situations. The pupa is enclosed in a slight earth-covered cocoon.
{52}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,[30] 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.
"Face smooth, flat. Antennæ in [M] shortly ciliated. Palpi short,
slender, loosely scaled. Fore-wings with areole double. Hind-wings with
vein 8 anastomosing with cell to beyond middle.
(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.
(_Acidalia pulchraria_, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 286. _Chlorochroma
plurilineata_, Walk. 563, 676. _Asthena ondinata_, Gn. ix. 438, pl. xix.
4; Butl., Cat. pl. iii. 20. _Cidaria ondinata_, Feld. cxxviii. 17.
_Asthena pulchraria_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 69.)
(Plate VI., fig. 37 [M], 38 [F].)
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 expansion of the wings is almost an inch. _All the wings are very
pale greenish-white with numerous faint green, wavy, transverse lines._
The fore-wings have a more or less distinct brown band on the costal
edge, and a conspicuous greenish central dot. The hind-wings often have a
slight projection on the termen near the middle.
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.
(_Acidalia schistaria_, Walk. 782. _Asthena subpurpureata_, Walk. 1588.
_Acidalia tuhuata_, Feld. cxxviii. 5. _Asthena schistaria_, Meyr., Trans.
N. Z. Inst. xvi. 69.)
(Plate VI., figs. 39, 40 [M], 41, 42 [F] varieties.)
This pretty species is common, and generally distributed throughout the
country.
The expansion of the wings is nearly an inch. _All the wings vary from
very pale brown to rather dull purplish-brown; there are numerous jagged,
darker, transverse lines forming several more or less distinct bands._
The first of these bands extends from the base to about one-eighth; the
second, composed of only two or three lines, is situated at about
one-third; the third extends from {53}three-fourths to about
five-eighths; there are in addition, numerous very fine, wavy lines near
the termen. The spaces between these bands are paler, and in some
specimens the bands are very conspicuous, whilst in others they are
hardly perceptible. One specimen in my collection (Plate VI., fig. 39)
has a very broad chocolate-brown band across the middle of both pairs of
wings, the remaining portions being unusually pale in colour. There is
always a dark brown dot in the centre of each wing, and a series of very
fine dots on the termen.
The larva, which feeds on Manuka (_Leptospermum_), is very ornamental.
Its general colour is light green, with black dorsal and lateral stripes,
and a series of diagonal markings bordered with crimson; the legs and
prolegs are also crimson, and the segments are divided by brilliant
yellow rings, a white line extending down each side of the larva.
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.
"Face smooth. Antennæ in [M] bi-pectinated, apex simple. Palpi loosely
scaled. Fore-wings with areole simple. Hind-wings with vein 8
anastomosing with cell to beyond middle."--(Meyrick.) (Plate II., fig.
13, head of _V. verriculata_; figs. 25 and 26, neuration of _V.
undosata_.)
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 [M], 31 [F].)
This remarkable species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and
in the South Island at Christchurch, Ashburton, Dunedin and West Plains.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. _All the wings are pale
yellowish-brown, with many straight oblique parallel dull brown lines; on
the fore-wings there are three lines broader and more isolated than the
rest, running from the apex to the dorsum_; on the hind-wings the lines
near the middle are rather thicker than the others, and have a broad
space on each side of them; _all the lines are clearly marked on the
abdomen, so that each line appears to be continuous from one side of the
moth to the other_.
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 {54}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 [M].)
This handsome insect has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur and
at Lake Guyon.
The expansion of the wings is a little over 1 inch. _The fore-wings are
bright yellow; there is a broad pale reddish-brown band on the costa; a
conspicuous oval dark brown spot above the middle_, often touching the
costal band; a double series of minute brown dots near the termen. The
hind-wings are pale yellow, with a double series of minute brown dots
parallel to the termen.
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 [M], 34 [F].)
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.
The expansion of the wings is hardly an inch. _All the wings are pale
yellow with a variable number of fine jagged reddish-brown transverse
lines, which are usually most distinct towards the termen._ The
fore-wings have a broad band of reddish-brown along the costal edge; a
blackish dot above the middle just touching the costal band, and a small
brown mark near the apex. The hind-wings have a minute black dot a little
above the middle.
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,[31] 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."[32]
Genus 10.--ASAPHODES, Meyr.
"Face with a tuft or hardly projecting scales. Palpi moderate, porrected,
rough-scaled. Antennæ in male bi-pectinated, apex simple. Thorax glabrous
beneath. Posterior tibiæ with all spurs present. Fore-wings with areole
simple. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell from near base to
beyond middle."--(Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 35 and 36, neuration of
_Asaphodes megaspilata_.)
We have five species of this genus in New Zealand.
{55}ASAPHODES ABROGATA, Walk.
(_Aspilates abrogata_, Walk. 1075. _Fidonia (?) servularia_, Gn., E. M.
M. v. 43. _Thyone abrogata_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 61.
_Asaphodes abrogata_, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VII., fig. 21 [M].)
This species has occurred at Murimutu in the North Island; and in the South
Island at Kekerangu, Christchurch, Castle Hill, Dunedin, and Invercargill.
The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. _All the wings are ochreous with
pale brown markings._ The fore-wings have a conspicuous dot in the
middle, _a wavy transverse line a little beyond the middle, another line
just before the termen, and a brown shading on the termen broader near
the apex of the wing_. The hind-wings have a brown central dot and two
transverse lines. The cilia of all the wings are brownish.
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 expansion of the wings is about 7/8 inch. The fore-wings are dull
ochreous; there is a small curved brown patch near the base; then a pale
band, followed by a very broad brown central band, paler in the middle;
there is a very sharp projection on the outer edge of the central band, a
conspicuous black dot in the centre of the wing, and a series of minute
black dots on the termen. The hind-wings are pale ochreous, with a faint
central transverse line.
The perfect insect appears in March.
Described and figured from the type specimen in Mr. Hawthorne's collection.
ASAPHODES MEGASPILATA, Walk.
(_Larentia megaspilata_, Walk. 1198. _Cidaria assata_, Feld. cxxxi. 4.
_Cidaria nehata_, Feld. cxxxi. 6. _Harpalyce megaspilata_, Meyr., Trans.
N. Z. Inst. xvi. 63. _Probolæa megaspilata_, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VII., figs. 17, 18, and 19 [M]; figs. 19A and 20 [F], varieties.)
This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout the
country.
The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are dull
ochreous; there is a series of fine brown and reddish wavy transverse
lines near the base, forming a rather broad basal band; then a pale
central area containing a blackish dot above the middle; next, a very
distinct band made up of several fine wavy grey lines, with a rounded
projection near the middle; this is followed by numerous pale brown
curved marks forming more or less broken transverse lines; _there is
always an oblique slaty patch below the apex_, and a series of minute
dots on the termen. The hind-wings are ochreous brown, slightly darker
towards the base, with numerous indistinct wavy brown lines. _The apex of
the fore-wing is very pointed and slightly hooked downwards; the termen
is bowed near the middle._ The female is much duller and more uniform in
colour than the male, and the antennæ are simple.
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.
{56}The eggs when first deposited are pale yellow. They turn dark
reddish-brown for some days before the young larva emerges.
The young larva is rather stout, dark brownish-black with numerous fine
parallel ochreous lines; the whole body is covered with rather long
bristles.
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.
(_Harpalyce humeraria_, Meyr. (nec Walk.), Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 64.
_Harpalyce parora_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvii. 63. _Probolæa
parora_, ib. xviii. 184.)
"_Male, female._--29-34 mm. (about 1¼ inches). Fore-wings moderate, apex
acute, termen excavated on upper half, acutely projecting in middle;
varying from light grey to light reddish-fuscous; about eighteen
irregular dentate darker striæ, sometimes partially obsolete; first
three, seventh and eighth, and eleventh to thirteenth usually more
distinct and blackish; seventh and eighth closely approximated, forming a
small blackish or reddish spot on dorsum, sometimes partially suffused
with blackish; eleventh to thirteenth closely approximated, widely remote
from eighth, parallel to termen; a blackish discal dot; sometimes a broad
purplish-grey median band; sixteenth sometimes spotted with blackish
towards costa; a terminal row of blackish dots. Hind-wings moderate,
upper angle broadly projecting, termen shortly projecting in middle;
varying from whitish-grey to very pale reddish-fuscous, faintly striated
with darker.
"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.
(_Larentia(?) rufescens_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 502. _Eurydice cymosema_,
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 63. _Eurydice rufescens_, ib. xvii. 63.
_Homodotis rufescens_, ib. xviii. 184.)
"_Male, female._--25-29 mm. (about 1¼ inches). Fore-wings moderate,
termen rather strongly sinuate; brown-whitish, sometimes more or less
suffused with brown; numerous fine dark fuscous sinuate subdentate lines;
three before middle and four beyond middle more blackish, generally
partially suffused with brown, leaving a clear median space on costal
half, in which is a transverse blackish discal dot; termen suffusedly
greyish; a suffused oblique dark fuscous sub-apical streak. Hind-wings
moderate, termen irregularly crenulate, somewhat projecting in middle;
grey whitish; several subdentate grey lines, only distinct towards
dorsum; a dark grey discal dot.
"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.
"Face with somewhat projecting scales or conical tuft. Antennæ in male
bi-pectinated, apex usually simple. Palpi rough-scaled. Fore-wings with
areole double. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell to beyond
middle."--(Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 37 and 38.)
{57}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 [M].)
This species has occurred at Wellington and at Cape Terawhiti in the North
Island.
The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. _The fore-wings of the male
are dull olive-green with numerous, rather obscure, wavy brownish
transverse lines; these lines are all more distinct near the costa; there
are two transverse rows of white dots near the base, a very broken line
of white dots at about three-fourths, one of the dots forming a
crescentic mark above the middle_; beyond this line the colour is often
paler, especially towards the apex, but inside this line there is often a
considerably darker patch; there is a very distinct blackish patch just
below the apex. The apex of the wing slightly projects, and the termen is
arched. The hind-wings are very pale greenish-ochreous; there is an
obscure dusky transverse line in the middle. _The female has the
fore-wings much browner; there are several additional rows of white dots
and two conspicuous white spots above the middle._
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 expansion of the wings of the female is 26 mm. (about 1 inch). Head,
palpi, and thorax pale greyish-ochreous, somewhat mixed with
yellow-greenish, and densely irrorated with fuscous. Antennæ
whitish-ochreous annulated with fuscous. Abdomen grey-whitish, densely
irrorated with fuscous. Legs dark fuscous, apex of joints
ochreous-whitish, middle and posterior pair irrorated with grey-whitish.
Fore-wings with costa gently arched, termen waved, slightly rounded,
oblique; pale greyish-ochreous, mixed with yellow-greenish, and thinly
sprinkled with fuscous, tending to form faint waved lines; three light
fuscous fasciæ, each marked with three dark fuscous lines; first near
base, outer edge sharply angulated above middle; second from two-fifths
of costa to before middle of dorsum, slightly curved; third from
two-thirds of costa to two-thirds of dorsum, outer edge somewhat
prominent in middle, rather sinuate above it; a crescentic black
obscurely whitish-margined discal spot; a short oblique cloudy fuscous
streak from apex; cilia light fuscous, somewhat sprinkled with whitish.
Hind-wings light grey; a grey discal dot before middle; a median band of
three darker lines, outer rather prominent in middle; faint indications
of other darker lines, most distinct posteriorly; cilia grey-whitish,
with two cloudy grey lines."--(Meyrick.)
The perfect insect appears in December.
XANTHORHOE ROSEARIA, Dbld.
(_Cidaria rosearia_, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 285, Butl., Cat. pl. iii.
13. _Coremia ardularia_, Gn., E. M. M. v. 63. _Coremia inamænaria_, Gn.,
E. M. M. v. 63. _Epyaxa rosearia_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 71.)
(Plate VII., fig. 22 [M], 23 [F].)
This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island; and in the
South Island at Akaroa, Christchurch, and Dunedin.
{58}The expansion of the wings is about 1-3/8 inches. The fore-wings of
the male vary _from pale pinkish-grey to pale greenish-grey_; there is an
obscure darker basal area, a rather broad central band, _formed of
numerous shaded, wavy, dark grey lines, which are generally absent
towards the middle of the band_; there is a black dot above the middle;
the termen is shaded with dark grey, and there is an oblique pale mark
near the apex. The hind-wings are grey with a few very faint wavy lines.
The cilia of all the wings are pinkish-grey. _The female is dull
yellowish-grey, with the markings very indistinct._
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.[33]
The eggs are oval, pale yellow, changing first to orange, and then to
dull grey before hatching. The young larva, when first emerged, is pale
greyish-brown and very slender. Later on the caterpillar becomes dull
olive-green speckled with black; there are two paler stripes just below
the middle of the back, then a fine black line, followed by a very fine
white one, then a broad pink stripe on the side; below this is a broad
black line followed by a white line and two fine black ones. The larva is
moderately stout, and the two prolegs are very close together.
The larva, when full-grown, measures about ¾ inch in length. The general
colour is dull reddish-brown, often greenish-tinged. The back and sides
are marked with numerous slightly waved fine black lines; there is a
double series of black dots down the back, a broad black lateral line,
followed by a fine white line. The under side of the larva is
pinkish-brown; the head greenish-brown speckled with black. The
caterpillar is obscurely marked, and very variable. It is often clouded
with greenish colouring.
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.[34] 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."[35]
XANTHORHOE OROPHYLA, Meyr.
(_Epyaxa orophyla_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 71.)
(Plate VII., fig. 24 [M], 25 [F].)
This fine species has occurred in the South Island at Nelson, Castle
Hill, Mount Hutt, Dunedin and Lake Wakatipu.
The expansion of the wings of the male is 1¼ inches, of the female 1-3/8
inches. _The fore-wings of the male are pale brownish-grey_; there is an
obscure bent blackish line near the base, _a moderately broad central
band bounded by two very distinct shaded blackish lines, the basal one of
which is not curved_; the termen is shaded with darker grey, and there is
an oblique pale mark near the apex. The hind-wings are pale grey tinged
with ochreous.
The female is slightly darker than the male; and there are numerous wavy
pale and dark grey lines filling up the entire wing on each side of the
central band.
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.
{59}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.
(_Coremia semifissata_, Walk. 1320. _Coremia ypsilonaria_, Gn., E. M. M.
v. 64. _Cidaria delicatulata_, Gn., E. M. M. v. 94. _Epyaxa semifissata_,
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 72.)
(Plate VII., fig. 26 [M], 27 [F].)
This extremely pretty insect is very common, and generally distributed
throughout the country.
The expansion of the wings is about an inch. The fore-wings of the male
are _pale pink_; there are several wavy brown lines near the base, _a
very distinct brown central band, narrowest near the middle, but much
broader on the costa than on the dorsum_; the centre of this band is
paler towards the costa; the termen is shaded with brown, except near the
apex of the wing; _the veins are dotted in black. The hind-wings are
bright ochreous with numerous wavy darker lines._ The female is darker in
colour than the male, the central band is broader; _there are numerous
brown and pink wavy lines on each side of the central band, and the
principal veins are marked in pale ochreous_. The grey transverse lines
on the hind-wings are much more distinct in the female than in the male.
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 [M], 48 [F].)
This species was discovered at Castle Hill in January, 1893.
The expansion of the wings is about 1-1/8 inches. The insect differs from
_X. semifissata_ in the following respects: In the male the general
colour is slightly duller, _the outer edge of the central band on the
fore-wings is more indented, and the veins are not dotted in black_. In
the female the markings on the fore-wings are less distinct, the veins
are not marked in pale ochreous, the outer edge of the central band is
more deeply indented, and there is a darker shading near the termen than
in _X. semifissata_. _The hind-wings of both sexes are dark ochreous,
without any transverse markings._
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 expansion of the wings is 1¼ inches. The fore-wings are pale
ochreous, _with two broad, dark, purplish-brown bands. The first, which
is at the base, is slightly paler near the body, and strongly curved
outwards towards the termen_; it is followed by several very fine pale
brown transverse lines. _The second band is very broad, and is situated
near the middle of the wing; its inner edge is curved inwards, and its
outer edge has two rounded projections, one very large about the middle,
and {60}another much smaller near the dorsum_; the middle portion of this
central band is considerably paler than the edges; _the two projections
of the central band are bordered with bright red_. The upper part of the
termen is ochreous, with several faint brown marks; the lower part is
dull grey. The hind-wings are dark ochreous, with a few obscure
purplish-grey markings; the termen of the hind-wing projects slightly
near the middle, and is rather jagged.
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 [M].)
This species has occurred in the South Island at Christchurch, Dunedin, and
at the foot of Mount Hutt.
The expansion of the wings is barely 1 inch. _All the wings are deep
ochreous; the fore-wings have an oblique white line running from the
dorsum near the base, towards the middle of the wing; this line is edged
with blackish-brown towards the dorsum; there is a very conspicuous white
transverse line at about three-fourths shaded with brown towards the
body_; the apex of the fore-wing slightly projects. The hind-wings have
no markings.
The perfect insect appears in December and January. It seems to be fairly
common, frequenting _Carex subdola_.[36]
Described and figured from a specimen kindly given to me by Mr. Fereday.