Dichromodes ida (also known as the blue and orange rock looper)[1] is a moth of the family Geometridae.[2] This species was first described by George Hudson in 1905. It is endemic to New Zealand and is found in Central Otago. This species inhabits open rocky places at altitudes between 100m to 900m. The larvae of D. ida are cryptic in appearance and feed on lichens growing on rocks. They appear to pupate in rock clefts, forming a chamber made of moss and silk. Adults are day flying and are on the wing from October until December.
This species was first described by George Hudson in 1905 using a specimen collected at Ida Valley by J. H. Lewis.[3] [4] George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species in his 1928 book The butterflies and moths of New Zealand. The male lectotype is held at Te Papa.[5]
J. H. Lewis, the collector of the holotype specimen, was quoted by Hudson describing the pupa and larvae of this species. Lewis was quoted as follows:
Hudson described this species as follows:
This species is endemic to New Zealand.[6] It is endemic to Central Otago.
This species inhabits open rocky country at altitudes between 100 and 900 m.[7] Larvae of this species feed on lichens which grow on rocks.
The adults of this species are day flying and are on the wing between October and December.