Tarata Looper
Common NameTarata Looper
Scientific NameDeclana egregia
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, yellowish-brown
HabitatNative forests, shrublands, and gardens
Geographic RangeNew Zealand
Host PlantsPodocarpus, Dacrydium, Phyllocladus, Leptospermum, Kunzea
Flight PeriodOctober to April
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are known as 'looper' caterpillars, characterized by their distinctive looping movement, and are often cryptically colored to mimic twigs on their host plants.
Identification TipsLook for the broad, mottled wings with a complex pattern of brown, reddish-brown, and yellowish-brown patches and lines, which help it blend into its native New Zealand forest environment.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, mottled wings displaying shades of brown, reddish-brown, and yellowish-brown, often with darker transverse lines and speckles, providing excellent camouflage.
