(Plate [IX]., fig. 3 ♂, 4 ♀.)
This species is very common and generally distributed throughout the country, and has occurred as far south as Stewart Island.
The expansion of the wings is 1¼ inches. The fore-wings of the male are dull yellowish-brown, speckled with black; there are two curved transverse lines near the base; a very obscure line near the middle, darker on the costa; two doubly curved lines beyond the middle, slightly darker on the dorsum; and two very faint jagged lines near the termen. The hind-wings are pale ochreous, tinged with brown near the termen. The female has narrower wings, shorter body, and is usually duller in colour than the male.
This insect is rather variable, some specimens of both sexes being much darker than others; but all the forms may usually be recognised by their dull speckled colouring and absence of conspicuous markings.
The larva feeds on the white rata (M. scandens) and the tawa (Beilschmiedia tawa).
Its length when full grown is about 1⅛ inches. The upper surface is dark reddish-brown with numerous blackish stripes and white markings, which give it a very variegated appearance; the under side is pale green; there are two small tubercles on the back of the eighth segment.
The pupa is concealed amongst refuse on the ground, the larva constructing no cocoon before changing.
The perfect insect appears from October till April, and may often be observed on mild days in the middle of winter. It is common in forest districts, where it is usually seen resting on the tree-trunks, in which situation its colouring must afford it efficient protection from many enemies.
SELIDOSEMA HUMILLIMA, n. sp.
(Plate [IX]., fig. 5.)