Pasiphila dryas

Pasiphila dryas is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1891. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the southern half of the North Island and throughout the South Island. The larval host plant for this species is Veronica salicifolia. Adults are most commonly on the wing from November until May and may occasionally be observed during New Zealand's winter months. The adult moth is attracted to light.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1891 using a specimen collected by George Hudson in Wellington and named Pasiphila dryas. Hudson discussed this in both his 1898 and 1924 books under the name Chloroclystis dryas. In 1988 John S. Dugdale confirmed the placement of this species in the genus Pasiphila. The male holotype specimen is held at the Natural [History Museum, London].

Description

Meyrick described the adult male of this species as follows:
Hudson described the larva of this species as follows:
Hudson also describes the pupa as being enclosed in a very light cocoon of silk and refuse. Hudson pointed out that the adults of this species are very similar in appearance to what is now known as Pasiphila acompsa but that this latter species lacks the pink-brown shade of P. dryas.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand. This species has been observed in the southern half of the North Island and throughout the South Island.

Habitat and hosts

The larval host plant for this species is Veronica salicifolia with larvae feeding on both the blossoms and the leaves of this plant.

Behaviour

The larva rest by clinging firmly to its host plant, and rigidly extends its body thus imitating a twig. This species pupates on the ground underneath its host plant. Adults are most commonly on wing from November until May but are occasionally observed in New Zealand's winter months. Adults are attracted to light.