Chrysorthenches halocarpi is a species of moth in the family Plutellidae.[1] It was first described by John S. Dugdale in 1996. It is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the North and South Islands. The species inhabits native bush. Larvae have been collected in October and November. The larval hosts are Halocarpus bidwillii and H. biformis. Adults have been observed on the wing from November to February.
The larva of this species has a green body and brown head.[2] The pupa can be found within a silk cocoon covered in frass.[2]
Dugdale described the adults of this species as follows:
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Specimens of this species has been confused with specimens of C. drosochalca, but can be distinguished as C. halocarpi has a purple shaded ground colour to its forewings, has dark throat scales in comparison to the white in C. drosochalca and lacks the white rings on the middle tibia which can be seen in C. drosochalca.[2]
Distribution
This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the North and South Island.[3]
Behaviour
Larvae have been collected in October and November. Adults have been observed on the wing from November to February.[2]