Pasiphila magnimaculata

Pasiphila magnimaculata is a moth of the family Geometridae. This species was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1915. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in both the North and South Islands.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1915 using specimens collected in Queenstown by Merlin Owen Pasco and originally named Chloroclystis magnimaculata. In 1928 George Hudson illustrated and discussed this species under that name in his book The butterflies and moths of New Zealand. In 1971 John S. Dugdale placed this species in the genus Pasiphila. The male holotype specimen is held at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.

Description

Philpott originally described the adults of this species as follows:
This species is very variable in appearance especially with regard to the intensity of colour pattern of specimens.

Distribution

P. magnimaculata is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in both the North and South Islands including in the Otago region and on Quail Island.

Habitat and hosts

This species usually inhabits montane areas. The larvae feed on the flowers of Gaultheria crassa.

Behaviour

Adults have been observed on the wing from October to February.