This species was named Scoparia philerga by Edward Meyrick in 1884.[2][3] Meyrick gave a detailed description of the adult moth in 1885.[4] George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species in his 1928 publication The butterflies and moths of New Zealand.[5] In 1988 John S. Dugdale placed this species in the genus Eudonia.[3] The male holotype specimen, collected at Lake Wakatipu, is held at the Natural History Museum, London.[3]
The larvae of E. philerga are about Шаблон:Frac inch long and coloured a dull dark green with a head that is reddish brown.[6][5] They have large blackish green protuberances.[6] This colouration provides excellent camouflage as, when still, larvae are difficult to see amongst their host plant.[6] The pupa is formed amongst moss and surrounded by a thin cocoon.[6]
Hudson described the adult of the species as follows:
Шаблон:Quote
Hudson noted that when at rest on trees or rocks, the colouration of the adult moth also provides excellent camouflage, safeguarding it from predators.[5]
Distribution
This species is endemic to New Zealand.[7][8] It is found throughout the country and regarded as being common.[6]
Behaviour
It has been hypothesised that this species has two broods; and that adults of the autumn generation hibernate, since adults have been taken by light trapping during winter.[6] Adults are on the wing throughout the year though more frequently from October to April.[6] The adults of this species are attracted to light.[6]
Host species
The larvae of this species feed on mosses found on wood.[9][10]
Threats
A specimen of this species has been tested for Wolbachia infection; the result of this test was negative.[11]
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