Phil Bendle Collection:Tatosoma tipulata (Kamahi green spindle moth)

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Geometroidea
Family: Geometridae
Genus: Tatosoma
Scientific name: Tatosoma tipulata (the Latin name, which literally translated means “Long body like cranefly”.)
Common name: Kamahi green spindle

Kamahi green spindle (Tatosoma tipulata) is a native moth found throughout the forested areas of New Zealand. Its colour pattern makes it beautifully camouflaged in the bush. The caterpillar feeds on totara, kamahi, beech and other native trees. The male moth has a long abdomen compared with the female who has an abdomen of normal length.

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