Helastia scissa

Helastia scissa is a moth of the family Geometridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed only in the Marlborough region of the South Island. Adults are on the wing in February, are nocturnal and are attracted to light.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Robin Craw in 1987 using specimens collected on the slopes of Mount Tarndale in the Marlborough region in February by John S. Dugdale. The male holotype is held at the New [Zealand Arthropod Collection].

Description

Craw described this species as follows:
Craw goes on to distinguish this species from H. corcularia, H. semisignata, H. salmoni and H. ohauensis as a result of the differences of shape of both the male and female genitalia.

Distribution

H. scissa is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in the South Island and has only been observed in Marlborough.

Behaviour

Adults of this species have been observed on the wing in February. They are nocturnal and are attracted to light.