Dichromodes cynica

Dichromodes cynica is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1911. D. cynica is endemic to New Zealand and is found only around Christchurch and Banks Peninsular. The larvae of D. cynica are cryptic in appearance and feed on lichens growing on dry sunny rock faces. Adults are on the wing from September to February. D. cynica are active during the day and are rapid fliers.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1911 using a specimen collected by George Hudson at Lyttelton in November. George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species in his 1928 book The butterflies and moths of New Zealand. The male holotype is held at the Natural History Museum, London.

Description

The larvae of this species are cryptic, camouflaging themselves against their host species of lichens.
Hudson described the larvae as follows:
Meyrick described this species as follows:
This species is similar in appearance to D. sphaeriata but is smaller.

Distribution

It is endemic to New Zealand. This species is found only around Christchurch and the Banks Peninsular. As well as the type locality, this species has also been observed at Mount Grey.

Behaviour

The larvae of D. cynica feed on lichens growing on dry sunny rock faces. The adults of this species are on the wing from September to February. This species is active during the day and flies rapidly.