Sarisa (moth)
| Sarisa | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Geometridae |
| Genus: | Sarisa Fletcher, 1979[1] |
| Species: | S. muriferata |
| Binomial name | |
| Sarisa muriferata (Walker, 1863) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Sarisa is a genus of moth in the family Geometridae, consisting of only one species, Sarisa muriferata, which is endemic to New Zealand and surrounding islands. It is widespread in the North and South Islands, and recorded from Stewart Island, Big South Cape Island, the Chatham Islands and the Auckland Islands.[2]
Adults have functional mouthparts and are attracted to nectar sources. Evasive behaviour consists of dropping when disturbed or attacked and falling to the ground, with the wings held motionless. The shape and colouring of the wings contribute to a most effective dead leaf crypsis. There are probably two generations per year in the North and South Islands, with adults recorded from September to March. At the southern limit of its range there is probably one generation per year, flying during January and February.
The larvae have been recorded feeding on Microsorum pustulatum and Dicksonia fibrosa. Full-grown larvae are reddish brown with an interrupted black dorsal line containing five oblong yellowish-brown spots. The species overwinters in the pupal stage.