Common Forest Looper
Common NameCommon Forest Looper
Scientific NameAsaphodes aegrota
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, grey
HabitatNative forests, shrubland, gardens
Geographic RangeNew Zealand
Host PlantsCoprosma, Griselinia littoralis, Pseudopanax arboreus, Hebe
Flight PeriodYear-round, more common September to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are 'looper' caterpillars that feed on various native broadleaf plants before pupating and emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsKey features include its mottled brown coloration, the characteristic wavy transverse lines on the forewings, and the small black dots along the termen of both wings. Its endemic range to New Zealand is also a strong indicator.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown to greyish-brown wings, featuring distinct darker transverse lines across the forewings and a row of small black dots along the outer margins.
