Chapter VI: Part 6

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 [M], 31 [F].)

This bright-looking species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Mount Arthur and Mount Hutt in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is about 1-1/8 inches. _The fore-wings are
bright orange-yellow; the base is speckled with black and dull green
scales; there is a rather indistinct band at about one-third; a broad
wavy dark brown band a little beyond the middle, with a projection
towards the termen, followed by a clear space and another broad irregular
dark transverse band_; the termen is broadly bordered with dark brown,
which is often almost continuous with the last-named transverse band.
_The hind-wings are bright orange; there is a large speckled area near
the base edged with a curved black line, followed by a clear space, and
an interrupted dark brown transverse line considerably beyond the
middle_; the termen is rather narrowly edged with a dark brown line, wavy
towards the base of the wing. The cilia of all the wings are yellow
barred with black.

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 young larva, which is very attenuated, has sixteen legs. Its colour
is pale yellowish-brown above, and dull ochreous beneath. The food-plant
is unknown.

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.

(_Euclidia hectori_, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 387, pl. xlii.
4. _Statira hectori_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 91. _Stathmonyma
hectori_, ib. xviii. 184.)

(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 expansion of the wings is 1½ inches. _All the wings are dark
greyish-black, speckled with bluish-grey scales._ The fore-wings have
five rather indistinct wavy darker transverse lines, and a very broad
darker shading near the termen; there is a fine white mark near the apex,
continued as an indistinct wavy line towards the tornus. The hind-wings
have three or four {71}indistinct darker transverse lines, and a very
broad terminal shading; there are two, more or less distinct, fine, wavy,
white lines, the first a little below the middle, and the second near the
termen; the cilia are dark grey barred with pale grey. _On the under side
all the wings are dark blackish-grey, traversed by six broad, wavy
whitish lines._

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.

"Face roughly haired. Palpi moderate, second joint with long or very long
spreading hairs beneath, terminal joint moderate or rather long, often
concealed. Antennæ in male bi-pectinated. Thorax beneath more or less
strongly clothed with long hairs. Fore-wings with vein 6 rising out of 9,
7 almost from angle of areole, 10 anastomosing moderately with 9, 11
anastomosing moderately or very shortly with 10, 12 free. Hind-wings
normal."--(Meyrick.) (See Plate II., fig. 43, fore-wing of _Notoreas
brephos_.)

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.

(_Aspilates insignis_, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 393, pl.
xliii. 1. _Pasithea insignis_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 85.
_Notoreas insignis_, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 3 [M].)

This very striking species has been taken in the South Island at Castle Hill.

The expansion of the wings of the male is 1¼ inches, of the female 1
inch. _The fore-wings of the male are dull yellowish-brown; in the middle
of the wing there is an almost straight long white streak from the base
to about three-fourths; there is another straight white streak parallel
to the termen and almost touching the apex. The hind-wings are bright
ochreous speckled with brown near the base._ The female has the wings
rather narrower than the male, and the ground colour is paler.

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.

The expansion of the wings of the female is from 28 to 30 mm. (about 1¼
inches). "Fore-wings moderate, termen rounded; dark fuscous, mixed with
yellowish and whitish, which tend to form alternate fasciæ; a discal dot
and numerous curved irregularly dentate blackish lines, varying in
strength and intensity; cilia barred with blackish and whitish.
Hind-wings moderate, termen rounded; dark fuscous; a blackish discal dot;
a cloudy whitish irroration forming a double curved fascia beyond middle,
and a dentate subterminal line; cilia as in fore-wings.

"Imitative in colour of the dark lichen-grown rocks.

{72}"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 expansion of the wings is about ¾ inch. _All the wings are very dark
blackish-brown; the fore-wings have five slender wavy white transverse
lines. The hind-wings have three white transverse lines_, the first near
the base, the second near the middle, and the third, which is very
slender and considerably broken, near the termen. _The cilia of all the
wings are white, barred with blackish-brown._

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 expansion of the wings is about 7/8 inch. _All the wings are dark
brownish-black. The fore-wings have an almost straight transverse yellow
or white stripe near the base, edged with black towards the body; a
rather wavy stripe at about one-third, edged with black towards the
termen; then several irregular yellowish or white spots or marks,
followed by a very distinct white stripe, somewhat projecting towards the
termen near the middle; there is a broken fine yellow line near the
termen._ The hind-wings have a shaded white or yellow transverse line
near the base, another near the middle, a third, considerably finer and
often broken, near the termen. The cilia of all the wings are white
shaded with grey near the base, _but with no distinct bars_.

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 expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The species is said to be
distinguished from the preceding "by the barred cilia, the absence of any
clear yellow colouring, the less prominent angulation of the post-median
line and the more elongate wings."[39] (Meyrick.)

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.

{73}The expansion of the wings is about ¾ inch. _The fore-wings are dark
brownish-black, with five transverse white or orange-yellow lines, which
vary considerably both in width and colour in different specimens_; the
two basal lines are almost straight, the rest are wavy, the last but one
has, near the middle, a strong projection towards the termen. _The
hind-wings are bright orange, with three or four more or less broken
black transverse lines._ The termen is narrowly bordered with black; the
cilia of all the wings are white, more or less distinctly barred with
blackish-brown.

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_.[40]

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 expansion of the wings is 1-3/8 inches. _The fore-wings are dull
yellowish-brown, becoming blackish-brown near the base; there are two
broad white transverse lines near the base, the outermost slightly
curved, then a dull orange shading, followed by a very broad, outwardly
bent, white transverse band, edged with black towards the base_; between
this band and the termen there is a fine wavy white transverse line. _The
hind-wings are dull yellowish-brown near the base, becoming blackish
towards the termen; there is a small cream-coloured area near the base,
then two rather broad, slightly irregular, cream-coloured bands, and a
rather fine wavy white line near the termen._ The cilia of all the wings
are white, barred with blackish-brown.

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 expansion of the wings is 1-3/8 inches. _The fore-wings are deep
orange-brown, shaded with black near the base and in the vicinity of the
three cream-coloured transverse bands; the first of these bands is
situated near the base, the second at about one-third, and the third,
which is rather wavy, at about two-thirds_; there is a fine wavy white
line close to the termen. _The hind-wings are dark grey, with two broad
cream-coloured bands, the first near the base and the second near the
middle_; there is a slender wavy line near the termen. The cilia of all
the wings are cream-coloured, barred with brownish-black.

The perfect insect appears in January, and evidently frequents high mountains.

Described and figured from the type-specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

{74}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.

"The expansion of the wings of the female is from 24 to 25 mm. (1 inch).
Fore-wings moderate, termen rounded; rather dark fuscous, mixed and
obscurely striated with orange; a curved white subdentate line before
one-fourth, anteriorly blackish-margined; a similar white line beyond
one-fourth, posteriorly blackish-margined; space between these sometimes
suffused with orange; a slender irregularly dentate white fascia beyond
middle, rather strongly angulated in middle, anteriorly
blackish-margined, posteriorly closely followed by a dentate orange line;
a dentate orange line near termen, dilated on costa. Hind-wings moderate,
termen rounded; orange, lighter anteriorly; basal half dark fuscous mixed
with orange, its outer edge irregularly curved; a dentate subterminal
fascia and narrow terminal fascia dark fuscous, sometimes obscure.

"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 expansion of the wings is about 1-1/8 inches. _The fore-wings are
bright ochreous; there are four broad black transverse bands near the
base, edged with white, and separated from one another by yellow spaces
of almost equal width_; the outermost of these bands is situated a little
more than half-way between the base and termen; the last two lines become
obsolete before they reach the costa; there are no other markings, except
a black shading on the termen near the tornus, which is traversed by an
obscure jagged paler line; the cilia are white barred with black. The
hind-wings are bright orange-yellow, without markings; the cilia are
ochreous.

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.

(_Fidonia ferox_, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 392, pl. xlii. 8.
_Pasithea ferox_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 88. _Notoreas ferox_,
ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 17.)

Two specimens of this species were captured by Mr. J. D. Enys, at Castle Hill in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are dull
brown, with numerous fine, wavy, dusky lines and a faint dot above the
middle. The hind-wings are orange-yellow, dotted with black near the
base; _there is a rather broad_ STRAIGHT _transverse black band near the
middle, followed by a much finer wavy line; there are three fine, wavy
lines parallel with the termen, and the termen itself is finely bordered
with black._

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 expansion of the wings is about ¾ inch. The fore-wings are _dark
bluish-grey_, with numerous slender, wavy, blackish transverse lines, and
a distinct blackish dot above the middle. The hind-wings are _bright
orange_, speckled with grey near the base and dorsum; there are from two
to four very fine, wavy, broken, blackish, transverse lines, and the
termen is narrowly bordered with black.

{75}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 expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are _very dark
blackish-grey_; there is a rather narrow black transverse line near the
base, another at about one-third; then a small black dot, followed by a
wavy, rather broad, black band, and two cloudy wavy black transverse
lines near the termen. The hind-wings are _very dark orange; there is a
large black basal patch, then a broad black band joining the basal patch
near the dorsum; beyond this is a fine black line, then another broad
black line followed by a very fine wavy line of the orange ground colour;
the termen is very broadly margined with black_.

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.

(_Fidonia brephosata_, Walk. 1037; Butl., Cat. pl. iii. 14. _Larentia
catocalaria_, Gn., E. M. M. v. 62. _Fidonia brephos_, Feld. cxxix. 5.
_Pasithea brephos_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 89. _Notoreas
brephos_, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., figs. 20, 21, 22, and 23, varieties.)

This very pretty species is common, and generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are dark grey;
there is a wavy black line near the base, two similar lines enclosing a
very broad central area, with a black dot a little above the middle;
beyond this there is a more or less distinct wavy band of pale grey or
brown; there are several obscure wavy blackish lines near the termen. The
hind-wings are bright orange, dotted with grey near the base and dorsum,
with from two to four more or less distinct wavy black transverse lines,
generally rather narrow; the termen is moderately broadly bordered with
black.

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.

{76}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 expansion of the wings is 7/8 inch. _All the wings are dark grey_;
the fore-wings have several obscure blackish marks near the base, _a dull
black spot on the costa at about one-third with a yellowish centre;
beyond this there are four similar spots forming a transverse band_, and
several more or less conspicuous wavy blackish lines near the termen. The
hind-wings have several obscure wavy blackish transverse lines near the
base and dorsum; the cilia are pale grey, obscurely barred with darker
grey.

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.

"Face loosely haired. Palpi long, straight, porrected, attenuated.
Antennæ in male dentate, ciliated (1). Fore-wings with vein 6 rising
below 9, 7 from below angle of areole, 10 anastomosing strongly with 9,
11 anastomosing strongly with 10, 12 free. Hind-wings
normal."--(Meyrick.)

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 expansion of the wings is 1¼ inches. The fore-wings are very pale
ochreous, speckled with grey; _there is a very fine longitudinal black
streak from a little beyond the base to considerably before the middle,
slightly clouded above; an elongate dot above the middle; a very oblique
slightly curved black streak from near the apex to the middle of the
dorsum, edged with white towards the base, and clouded with brown towards
the termen_; the apex of the wing is very acute. The hind-wings are
white, with a black dot above the middle.

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:--

The first dark line runs from the dorsum near the base to below the costa
before the middle; the lower extremity of the second line is connected
with the tornus by an oblique streak.

{77}Family 2.--STERRHIDÆ.

"Face smooth. Tongue developed. Palpi shortly rough-scaled. Fore-wings
with vein 10 rising out of 9, 11 anastomosing or connected with 9.
Hind-wings with vein 5 fully developed, rising from middle of transverse
vein, parallel to 4, 8 very shortly anastomosing with upper margin of
cell near base, thence rapidly diverging."--(Meyrick.) (See Plate II.,
figs. 49 and 50.)

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.

"Antennæ in male ciliated with fascicles. Posterior tibia in male dilated
without spurs, in female with all spurs present. Hind-wings with veins 6
and 7 sometimes stalked (variable in the same species)."--(Meyrick.) (See
Plate II., figs. 49 and 50.)

We have one species, which also occurs in Australia.

LEPTOMERIS RUBRARIA, Dbld.

(_Ptychopoda_ (?) _rubraria_, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 286; Walk. 781.
_Fidonia_ (?) _acidaliaria_, Walk. 1037. _Acidalia figlinaria_, Gn. ix.
454, pl. xii. 8. _Acidalia rubraria_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 57.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 37 [M], 38 [F].)

This pretty little insect is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is about 7/8 inch. _The fore-wings are
reddish-ochreous with three dull brown wavy transverse lines_, the first
rather narrow at about one-fourth, the second slightly broader at about
one-half, the third much broader, and sometimes partially divided near
the costa; there is a black central dot, a series of rather large dull
brown spots near the termen, and a chain of minute black dots on the
termen. _The hind-wings are pinkish-ochreous; there is a dull brown wavy
transverse band near the base, then two close together a little beyond
one-half, a shading on the termen, and a very distinct series of minute
black terminal dots._ The cilia of all the wings are dull brown, mixed
with reddish-ochreous.

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.[41]

Family 3.--MONOCTENIADÆ.

"Hind-wings with vein 5 fully developed, parallel to 4, rising from about
or below middle of transverse vein, 8 free or anastomosing shortly near
base or seldom from near base to beyond {78}middle (then without areole
of fore-wings), approximated to upper margin of cell to middle or
beyond." (See Plate II., figs. 44 and 45.)

"Ovum subcylindrical, smooth. Larva more or less elongate, usually with
few hairs, prolegs on segments 7, 8, and sometimes 9 rudimentary or
absent. Pupa subterranean or in bark."--(Meyrick.)

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.

"Face smooth. Palpi long, straight, porrected, roughly scaled above and
beneath. Antennæ in male pectinated on inner side only. Fore-wings with
vein 6 from a point with 9, 7 from angle of areole, 10 anastomosing
moderately with 9, 11 separate, approximated to 10 in middle, 12 free.
Hind-wings with veins 6 and 7 separate, 8 free, closely approximated to 7
from base to near transverse vein."--(Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 44
and 45, neuration of _D. petrina_.)

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 expansion of the wings is 7/8 inch. _All the wings are dull black.
The fore-wings have a darker central area, bordered by two jagged pale
grey transverse lines_, the first at about one-third and the second at
about two-thirds; there is also a faint line near the termen. The
hind-wings have a very obscure dark central line.

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.

The expansion of the wings of the female is 13 mm. (½ inch). "Fore-wings
rather narrow, costa sinuate, termen sinuate; white, slightly mixed with
grey; dorsum narrowly grey; a slender black fascia almost at base; a
slender black fascia at one-third, dentate inwards above middle, dilated
on costa; a slender black fascia beyond middle, sharply angulated in
middle, dilated on costa, connected below middle with preceding fascia by
a suffused bar; close beyond this a rather broad parallel grey fascia; an
indistinct grey subterminal line. Hind-wings moderate; termen rounded
dark grey."--(Meyrick.)

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 expansion of the wings is ¾ inch. _The fore-wings are dull
greenish-grey; there is a {79}black, wavy, somewhat broken transverse
line at about one-third, and another at about two-thirds, enclosing a
slightly darker central band, with a black dot above middle_; there is
also a darker shading on the termen, and an obscure wavy paler line. _The
hind-wings are grey_, with an obscure wavy central line.

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.

"Palpi moderate, triangularly scaled, porrected. Antennæ in male
bi-ciliated with long tufts of cilia (5). Fore-wings with vein 6 from
below 9, 7 from angle of areole, 10 out of 9 above 7, 11 anastomosing
shortly with 9, 12 free, closely approximated to 11 on areole. Hind-wings
with veins 6 and 7 from a point or short-stalked, 8 free, closely
approximated to 7 from base to near transverse vein."--(Meyrick.)

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 expansion of the wings is 1 inch. _All the wings are white. The
fore-wings have a longitudinal, slightly curved black line, extending
from a little beyond the base, almost as far as the termen below the
apex_; above this line there is a black dot at about one-third; the apex
of the fore-wing is slightly hooked, and there is a row of minute black
dots on the termen of both fore- and hind-wings.

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.

"Hind-wings with vein 5 fully developed, rising from about middle of
transverse vein, 8 connected with upper margin of cell by an oblique bar
towards base."--(Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 46 and 47.)

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.

"Face with appressed scales. Tongue developed. Palpi very short or
moderate, porrected or subascending, rough-scaled. Antennæ in male evenly
ciliated. Thorax rather hairy beneath. Femora glabrous; posterior tibiæ
with all spurs present. Fore-wings with vein 10 anastomosing with 9, 11
anastomosing with 12 and 10 before 9. Hind-wings with 6 and 7
separate."--(Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 46 and 47, neuration of
_Epirranthis alectoraria_; fig. 48, head of ditto.)

Represented in New Zealand by two species.

{80}EPIRRANTHIS ALECTORARIA, Walk.

(_Lyrcea alectoraria_, Walk. 259; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 95.
_Aspilates_ (?) _primata_, Walk. 1076; Butl., Cat. pl. iii. 4. _Endropia
mixtaria_, Walk. 1506; Butl., Cat. pl. iii. 5. _Amilapis_ (?)
_acroiaria_, Feld. cxxiii. 6. _Lyrcea varians_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii.
496. _Ploseria alectoraria_, Hdsn., Manual N. Z. Ent. 86.)

(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.

The expansion of the wings is from 1 inch to 1½ inches. The wings range
in colour from pale yellow to dark orange-brown, dark reddish-brown, or
even dull brown, with innumerable intermediate tints. There is often a
central transverse line reaching from the costa of the fore-wing to the
dorsum of the hind-wing. Many of the varieties are speckled with darker
colour; others have irregular yellow patches, generally situated on the
fore-wings just below the apex and on the dorsum near the base; there are
often two white dots near the apex of the fore-wings.

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 egg is oval and much flattened above. When first laid it is pale
green in colour, but becomes dull olive-green as the embryo develops.

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 full-grown larva is very robust, and about 1 inch in length. Its
colour is pale green, with numerous yellow dots and a series of diagonal
yellow stripes on each segment; there is, in addition, a series of broad
crimson blotches on the back and a small crimson flap projecting from the
end of the terminal segment; the prolegs and spiracles are also crimson.

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.

(_Hemerophila hemipteraria_, Gn. ix. 220, pl. vi. 2. _Xyridacina
hemipteraria_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 60. _Ploseria hemipteraria_,
Hdsn., Manual N. Z. Ent. 85.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 48 [M], 49 [F]; 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.

{81}The expansion of the wings is from 1-3/8 to 1-5/8 inches. All the
wings are pale ochreous-brown, with a variable number of minute black
dots; there are four or five oblique, wavy brown transverse lines on both
fore- and hind-wings, the central and terminal lines being often slightly
darker than the others; there is always a black dot in the middle of the
fore-wing, and a shaded spot near the termen below the apex. The apex of
_the hind-wing is very pointed and projects downwards; the almost
straight termen has a series of prominent projections_.

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.

Its length when full grown is about 1 inch. Some larvæ are green, with a
broad bluish dorsal line, and two fine yellow lateral lines. Others are
brown, with a dull yellow dorsal line.

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.

"Hind-wings with vein 5 imperfect (not tubular) or obsolete, 6 and 7
usually separate, 8 usually obsoletely connected with upper margin of
cell near base, approximated to near middle." (See Plate II., figs. 51 to
64.)

"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 1_b_; 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.

"Ovum subcylindrical or elongate-ovate, more or less reticulated,
sometimes ribbed. Larva elongate, more or less slender, with few hairs,
without developed prolegs on segments 7, 8, and usually 9; often
remarkably like a twig of its food-plant. Pupa subterranean, or in a
slight cocoon above ground."--(Meyrick.)

{82}Of this extensive family we have nine genera represented in New Zealand:

1. SELIDOSEMA.
2. HYBERNIA.
3. CHALASTRA.
4. SESTRA.
5. GONOPHYLLA.
6. DREPANODES.
7. AZELINA.
8. IPANA.
9. DECLANA.

Genus 1.--SELIDOSEMA, Hb.

"Face with appressed or shortly projecting scales. Tongue developed.
Antennæ in male bipectinated, towards apex simple. Palpi rough-scaled.
Thorax sometimes crested posteriorly, hairy beneath. Femora nearly
glabrous; posterior tibiæ in male dilated. Fore-wings in male with fovea;
vein 10 sometimes connected with 9, 11 sometimes out of 10 near base
only, or if separate, sometimes anastomosing with 12."--(Meyrick.) (Plate
II., figs. 59 and 60, neuration of _Selidosema dejectaria_.)

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 [M], 51 [F].)

This species is common, and generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings of the male
are _very pale_ ochreous-brown; there is a double jagged transverse line
near the base, a single jagged line a little before the middle, and a
double one a little beyond the middle; an almost continuous jagged line
near the termen. The hind-wings are very pale ochreous, almost white;
_their outline is peculiar; the dorsum is very short, the termen very
long, first oblique and then rounded with a small projection midway
between the apex and the tornus_. The female has the fore-wings pale
grey, and the hind-wings dull white; the markings resemble those of the
male, but the outline of the hind-wing is of the usual form.

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 [M], 2 [F].)

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.

The expansion of the wings of the male is 1½ inches, of the female 1-5/8
inches. The fore-wings are _very pale ochreous-brown_; there are two
interrupted jagged transverse lines near the base; a single very
indistinct line in the middle; a double, nearly continuous jagged
transverse line beyond the middle; a double jagged line near the termen
completely interrupted in the middle; there is generally a dark patch on
the termen just below the apex of the wing. The hind-wings are very pale
ochreous. There is a series of black dots on the termen of both
fore-wings and hind-wings, and the termen of the hind-wing is slightly
indented.

This species varies a good deal in size; the specimens from Stewart Island are {83}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.

(_Pseudocoremia suavis_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 497. _Pachycnemia
usitata_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 501. _Pseudocoremia lupinata_, Meyr.,
Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 98. _Boarmia suavis_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst.
xxiii. 101.)

(Plate IX., fig. 3 [M], 4 [F].)

This species is very common and generally distributed throughout the country, and has occurred as far south as Stewart Island.

The expansion of the wings is 1¼ inches. The fore-wings of the male are
_dull yellowish-brown, speckled with black_; there are two curved
transverse lines near the base; a very obscure line near the middle,
darker on the costa; two doubly curved lines beyond the middle, slightly
darker on the dorsum; and two very faint jagged lines near the termen.
The hind-wings are pale ochreous, tinged with brown near the termen. The
female has narrower wings, shorter body, and is usually duller in colour
than the male.

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_).

Its length when full grown is about 1-1/8 inches. The upper surface is
dark reddish-brown with numerous blackish stripes and white markings,
which give it a very variegated appearance; the under side is pale green;
there are two small tubercles on the back of the eighth segment.

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.

The expansion of the wings of the male is about 1-1/8 inches. _The
fore-wings are dull yellowish-brown; there are three short oblique dark
brown stripes on the costa, inclined very much towards the termen_; the
first of these stripes is distinctly double, and the second and third
partially so; there is an indistinct brown mark just below the apex,
several slender faint streaks on the veins near the middle of the wing,
and a very distinct brown shading on the dorsum. The hind-wings are very
pale ochreous.

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 {84}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.

(_Larentia productata_, Walk. 1197 (?). _Selidosema pungata_, Feld.
cxxxi. 23. _Selidosema_ (?) _fragosata_, Feld. cxxxi. 29. _Zylobara
productata_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 98.)

(Plate IX., figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 [M] varieties, 11, 12, 13, and 14 [F] 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 1-3/8 inches, of the female 1-1/8 inches.

The fore-wings vary from pale yellowish-brown to rich chocolate-brown;
there are two curved transverse lines near the base, generally enclosing
a paler stripe between them; next a broad dark central area; then a wavy
paler transverse line, usually followed by a very much paler irregular
band, generally formed by two partially disconnected patches, one on the
costa and one on the dorsum; there is a jagged, whitish, transverse line
near the termen, _always broken in the middle_, and often shaded with
black towards the base of the wing. The hind-wings are ochreous, speckled
with brown towards the dorsum; there is usually a brown central dot.

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_.

The eggs are oval with the surface honeycombed; they are pale green in
colour.

The young larva, when first hatched, is much attenuated, light
reddish-brown with a broad pale lateral stripe, and a few bristles. The
full-grown larva measures about 1½ inches in length; it is rather slender
and has a large hump on the sixth segment. Its colour is dark
reddish-brown, mottled and striped with dull white and greenish.

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.

{85}SELIDOSEMA ARISTARCHA, Meyr.

(_Selidosema aristarcha_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxiv. 216.)

(Plate IX., fig. 17 [M], 18 [F]; 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.

The expansion of the wings varies from 1¼ to 1½ inches. The fore-wings
are light ochreous-brown; there is a small white-edged brown spot near
the base; two oblique curved brown transverse lines enclosing between
them a white space towards the dorsum; a short stripe on the costa, near
the middle, edged with white towards the base of the wing; a doubly
curved transverse line beyond the middle, finely edged with white towards
the base of the wing; there is also a short white-edged brown stripe
extending from the apex of the wing to the last-named transverse line,
the two lines enclosing between them a small pale triangular area; there
are five short longitudinal brown lines running from the termen to the
outermost of the transverse lines, two of them being tipped with white
towards the base of the wing. The hind-wings are dull ochreous-brown,
with two very faint brown transverse lines towards the dorsum, and
several whitish spots and one brown spot near the tornus. The female is a
little darker in colour than the male.

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.

(_Numeria melinata_, Feld. cxxix. 9. _Pseudocoremia indistincta_, Butl.,
Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 394, pl. xliii. 8. _Pseudocoremia melinata_,
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 99.)

(Plate IX., fig. 15 [M], 16 [F].)

This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings of the male is 1¼ inches, of the female 1½
inches. The fore-wings are _dull greenish-grey_, with black markings;
there is a transverse line near the base; another near the middle,
followed by two broken irregular lines, then a broader, paler area
sometimes white, followed by a series of jagged pale markings shaded with
black. The hind-wings are ochreous mottled with pale brown near the
dorsum; there is a series of black dots on the termen of both fore- and
hind-wings.

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.