Pasiphila sandycias
Pasiphila sandycias is a moth in the family Geometridae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1905. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the southern half of the North Island, throughout the South Island and on Stewart Island. It inhabits native scrub populated with its larval host plants, Coprosma areolata and Coprosma rotundifolia. The larvae feed on the blossoms of its hosts and this life stage is synchronised with the flowering of those plants. The larvae are well camouflaged as they appear similar to a roughened Comprosma twig. The pupa is enclosed in a cocoon made of silk and refuse and can be found amongst shoots of its host plants. Adult moths have been observed on the wing from August to February. They are nocturnal, attracted to light and have been shown to pollinate Leptospermum scoparium and Olearia virgata.
Taxonomy
George Hudson in his 1898 book New Zealand moths and butterflies illustrated and discussed this species mistaking it for what is now known as Pasiphila plinthina. Edward Meyrick, recognising that the species was new, first described it in 1905 and originally named it Chloroclystis sandycias. In 1928 Hudson followed Meyrick and discussed and illustrated this species under the name C. sandycias. In 1971 John S. Dugdale placed this species in the genus Pasiphila. The male lectotype, collected in Wellington by Hudson, is held at the Natural History Museum, London.Description
Hudson described the larva of this species as follows:The larvae of this species is very variable in appearance. They are well camouflaged as they appear similar to a roughened Comprosma shoot.
Meyrick described the adults of this species as follows:
This species can be recognised by its small size. Although it is similar in appearance to P. plinthina it can be distinguished from that species as a result of its much shorter palpi and darker colouration.