Epiphryne verriculata

Epiphryne verriculata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Geometridae
Genus: Epiphryne
Species: E. verriculata
Binomial name
Epiphryne verriculata
Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875

Epiphryne verriculata, the cabbage tree moth, is a moth of the Geometridae family. It is found in New Zealand.

The wingspan is about 40 mm.

At night caterpillars feed on the new and unopened leaves of Cordyline australis.[1]

Leaves of C. australis showing typical damage caused by the larva of the cabbage tree moth Epiphryne verriculata

Distribution and habitat

The moth is widely distributed throughout New Zealand.[2] Has been collected occasionally in Riccarton Bush, Christchurch.[3]

The habitat/foodplant for this moth is the cabbage tree ( Cordyline spp).[3]

Life cycle

Eggs

Eggs are bright green and are laid on the leaves in parallel rows in autumn and spring.[2]

Larva

The caterpillar is green with red and dark brown lines. When fully grown it is approximately 2.5 cm long.[2]

Adult

Adults are seen April through to October.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Cabbage tree moth". Landcare Research. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 Gaskin, D E (1966). The Butterflies and Common Moths of New Zealand. Christchurch: Whitcombe and Tombs Limited. p. 134.
  3. 1 2 Molloy, Brian (1995). Riccarton Bush: Putaringamotu. Christchurch: The Riccarton Bush Trust. p. 227.


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