Part 14

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.