Stathmopoda skelloni (Butler, 1880). F.L. 6.5-8 mm. Endemic. Common.
It is found in a variety of habitats including native forest, coastal dunes, shrubland as well as cultivated gardens and orchards. Adults may be commonly found from September to March and can be disturbed from vegetation by day and come to light at night.
Larvae feed on a wide range of plants, chiefly on the dried remains of flowers (e.g. gorse); they are also recorded from fruits of lemonwood, dying flowers and seeds of flax and seedheads of raupo. Pupation is in the feeding place (Hoare, 2014).
Forewing | 5-9 mm, elongate, narrow, pointed apex, tornal cilia |
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Body | raised hindlegs |
Labial palps | curved upwards |
Resting posture | body horizontal, wings roof-like |