Pasiphila lunata
Common NamePasiphila lunata
Scientific NamePasiphila lunata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, cream
HabitatForests, woodlands, shrublands, gardens
Geographic RangeNew Zealand
Host PlantsCoprosma spp., Griselinia spp., Pseudopanax spp.
Flight PeriodSeptember to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are loopers, typical for Geometridae, and feed on the foliage of various broadleaf shrubs and trees before pupating.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the intricate mottled grey-brown pattern, and the often subtle crescent-shaped mark on the forewings, distinguishing it from similar geometrid moths.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled grey, brown, and cream wings featuring subtle wavy lines and speckles, providing excellent camouflage.
