Beech Leafroller

Meyrick described the adult female of this species as follows:

♀. 14mm. Head and thorax deep ferruginous. Abdomen dark grey. Forewings elongate-oblong, costa moderately arched anteriorly, apex obtuse, termen nearly straight, vertical, rounded beneath; deep ferruginous, irregularly strewn with reddish-ochreous; space between basal patch and central fascia forming an oblique band glossed with ashy-purplish; central fascia edged posteriorly by an oblique white bar from costa, not reaching half across wing, beyond which is a triangular ochreous-yellow costal spot; a purplish-leaden-metallic streak before tornus, reaching half across wing, and a similar sub- terminal streak from costa to tornus: cilia ferruginous, with a purplish basal line, becoming yellow-whitish towards tips beneath apex. Hindwings dark fuscous, rather lighter towards base. Meyrick described the adult male of this species as follows:

♂. 13 mm. Antennal ciliations 1+1⁄2. Forewings without costal fold; deep ferruginous, crossed by numerous oblique irregular series of very small subconfluent purplish-leaden-grey spots, without defined markings, but central fascia and costal patch sometimes indicated on costa. Hindwings blackish. Meyrick pointed out that the male of the species differs considerably in appearance from the female of the species. Also, the adult females are highly variable in appearance. …

E. emphanes is endemic to New Zealand. It is found on the North and South Islands at a wide range of altitudes. Hudson states specimens can be found at the upper limit of native beech forest growth.

The larva is very active, fastening the leaves together with silk and living between them. The pupa is enclosed between two joined leaves. Adults of this species are on the wing commonly from November until February. They are day flying and are particularly active in hot sunshine.