This insect is very variable, but its large size and _oblique transverse lines_ suffice to distinguish it from any of the other allied species.
The larva feeds on a great variety of plants, mahoe (_Melicytus ramiflorus_), white rata (_Metrosideros scandens_), _Solanum aviculare_, fuchsia (_Fuchsia excorticata_), and _Pennantia corymbosa_ being amongst the number. The caterpillar may often be recognised by a large hump, which is situated on each side of the third segment. Its colouring appears to be so entirely influenced by its surroundings that a description is impossible. For instance, larvæ taken from the pale green foliage of the mahoe resemble in colour the twigs of that plant; others captured feeding on the white rata are dark reddish-brown, those from _Solanum aviculare_ are purplish slate-colour, whilst those from the fuchsia are pale olive-green tinged with brown, like the sprouting twigs.
The pupa is enclosed in a slight cocoon situated about two inches below the surface of the ground. Those larvæ which become full grown in the autumn remain as pupæ during the winter, but the summer broods only remain in the pupa state a few weeks.
The perfect insect appears from November till March. It has a great partiality for resting with outspread wings on the walls of sheds and outhouses, where it is frequently noticed by the most casual observer. It is very common in most situations, and may be taken in large numbers at sugar, light, or blossoms, during the whole of the summer. Its extreme abundance and great variability, in both the larval and imago states, would render it a good subject for a series of experiments, resembling those conducted by Messrs. Poulton and Merrifield on several allied European species.
(_Scotosia panagrata_, Walk. 1360. _Angerona menanaria_, Walk. 1500. _Epirrhanthis_ (?) _antipodaria_, Feld. cxxvi. 3. _Hyperythra desiccata_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 495. _Hyperythra arenacea_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 495. _Barsine panagrata_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 100.)
(Plate IX., figs. 25, 26, 27, and 28 [M] varieties, 29 and 30 [F] ditto.)
This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country. It has occurred as far south as Stewart Island.