Common Dotted Wainscot

George Hudson described the larvae of I. semivittata as follows:

The larva, which feeds on native grasses, is about 1+1⁄4 inches in length, subcylindrical, slightly tapering at each end; dull green, very finely streaked with reddish-brown; the dorsal and subdorsal lines are indicated by fine double reddish lines; there is a series of white dots, one on each segment, except on the second and last; the lateral line is very distinct, dark reddish-brown, shaded with cream colour below; the spiracles are blackish; the underside of the larva and the whole of the second segment is a paler and clearer green than the rest of the body. Walker described the adults of this species as follows:

Male, Very pale fawn-colour. Palpi hardly ascending, as long as the breadth of the head; second joint fringed beneath; third lanceolate, less than half the length of the second. Antennae setose. Abdomen extending somewhat beyond the hind wings. Wings with black marginal points. Fore wings acute, with a short black basal line; the latter is accompanied by an ochraceous line which extends irregularly along the hind side of a brownish streak in the disk; this streak is traversed by a curved line of black points; veins towards the exterior border brownish, with brownish lines between them; under side with a brownish patch in the disk beyond the middle. …

It is endemic to New Zealand. The species can be found from Three Kings Islands down to and including Stewart Island.

Adults of this species are on the wing from August to April. They are attracted to light and have been collected via a mercury vapour light trap.

Larval host species include Juncus procera, Carex secta as well as on tussock grasses such as Poa cita, P. colensoi and Festuca novae-zelandiae.

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