About Scoparia ustimacula Felder
Hudson described this moth species as follows: The wingspan is just over 3⁄4 inch. The forewings are bright glossy golden-brown, with dark brown markings outlined in white. There is a small brown patch at the base; the first line is very thin, white, and faintly edged with brown on the side toward the termen. The orbicular and claviform markings are very large, touching, dark brown and outlined in white. The reniform marking is extremely large and conspicuous, very dark brown and outlined in white. The second line is thin and white. The subterminal line is broad, white, broken near the middle, and somewhat irregular. There is a series of blackish markings along the termen. The hindwings are pale ochreous, glossy, with a grey discal spot and grey shading along the terminal edge. This moth has a distinct appearance, and individuals collected at higher altitudes tend to be larger. Scoparia ustimacula can be identified by the pair of large, dark brown, white-outlined markings on its forewings. Sometimes these patches connect to form an M shape. Male individuals of this species have long antennal ciliations. This species is endemic to New Zealand, found throughout the country, and is considered fairly common. Scoparia ustimacula lives in dense native forest areas, and can be collected by beating scrub and overhanging forest branches. It can be found at altitudes ranging from sea level up to approximately 1000 metres.
