Pasiphila punicea

Pasiphila punicea is a moth of the family Geometridae. This species was first described by Alfred Philpott in 1923. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the North and South Islands. The species inhabits native forest and scrub and has an affinity for Veronica species.

Taxonomy

This species for first described in 1923 by Alfred Philpott and originally named Chloroclystis punicea. 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, collected by Philpott at Rowallan in Fiordland, is held at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.

Description

Philpott described the male of this species as follows:
Hudson was of the opinion that the male of this species is much greener in its colouring than the female, but both sexes are characterised by the prevalence of pinkish suffusion.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in both the North and South Islands.

Habitat and hosts

This species inhabits native forest and scrub. Adults have been recorded as having an affiliation for Veronica.

Behaviour

This species is commonly on the wing in November and December. Adults are attracted to light.