About Xanthorhoe semifissata (Walker, 1862)
This species is Xanthorhoe semifissata, originally published by Walker in 1862, and described in detail by George Hudson in 1898. Hudson's description notes that the wingspan measures approximately one inch. In males, the forewings are pale pink, with several wavy brown lines close to the wing base, and a very clearly defined brown central band. This band is narrowest near the middle of the wing, and is much broader on the costa than on the dorsum; the center of the band is paler toward the costa. The termen is shaded brown, except near the wing apex, and the veins are dotted with black. Male hindwings are bright ochreous, marked with numerous wavy darker lines. Females are darker in overall color than males, and have a broader central band. They have numerous wavy brown and pink lines on each side of the central band, and their main veins are marked with pale ochreous. The grey transverse lines on female hindwings are much more distinct than those on males.
In terms of distribution and habitat, Xanthorhoe semifissata occurs in the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island of New Zealand. It is not common in the southern and western mountains of the South Island. This species has been collected at Riccarton Bush, Christchurch. Its preferred habitat is forest edges. Larval host plants for this moth are herbaceous plants. Gaskin recorded that this species lays eggs on watercress, Nasturtium officinale. White has recorded Cardamine and stream Nasturtium as confirmed larval food sources.
