Kawakawa looper
Common NameKawakawa looper
Scientific NameCleora scriptaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatNative forests, woodlands, shrublands, gardens
Geographic RangeNew Zealand
Host PlantsMacropiper excelsum, Coprosma, Griselinia, Hebe, Melicytus, Myrsine, Pseudopanax, Pittosporum
Flight PeriodAll year, more common October to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are known as 'loopers' or 'inchworms' due to their characteristic looping movement, and they are well-camouflaged as twigs. Pupation typically occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for its cryptic mottled brown and grey wing pattern, the presence of feathery antennae in males, and its occurrence in New Zealand, particularly near its host plant, kawakawa.
Description
A medium-sized moth with highly camouflaged, mottled brown and grey wings that mimic tree bark or lichen. Males possess distinctive bipectinate (feathery) antennae.
