Paradetis
Introduction '''''Paradetis''''' is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae. Its only species, '''''Paradetis porphyrias''''', also known as the '''orange and purple fern looper''', is endemic to New Zealand. The genus and species were first described by Edward Meyrick, the genus in 1885 and the species in 1883.
Taxonomy This species was first described by Meyrick in 1883 under the name ''Parysatis porphyrias''. Meyrick went on to give a more detailed description of the species in 1884.In 1886 Meyrick renamed the genus of this species ''Paradetis''. George Hudson illustrated and discussed this species under its current name ''Paradetis porphyrias'' in both of his books ''New Zealand Moths and Butterflies (Macro-lepidoptera)'' in 1898 and ''The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand'' in 1928.
Description The larva of this species is thin and green and when mature is 20 mm long.Meyrick described the adult female of the species as follows:
Distribution ''P. porphyrias'' is endemic to New Zealand. Meyrick first collected the species near Otira Gorge at Arthur's Pass in January. The species has also been found at Mount Arthur, Castle Hill, and Lake Wakatipu.
Habitat and host species ''Hypolepis millefolium''Alfred Philpott mentioned that the species frequented the banks of mountain streams. ''P. porphyrias'' larvae likely feed on ''Hypolepis millefolium''.
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