[4] The Kawakawa looper moth varies considerably in both colour and size during its adult stage of life.

The coloration of the Kawakawa looper moth has many variations with the most common having yellow/ brown mottled forewings.

Both male and female moths have unique spots located on the middle of their wings that range from black to white and cream.

Adults hide among leaf litter or on tree trunks, where their mottled patterns provide camouflage.

The antenna for the males are seen to be different as they bare adaptations for breeding purposes as they contain numerous sensory cells that detect chemicals that are released in the air.

Once developed the caterpillar will chew on the egg in order to make its way out thereafter moving onto young leaves as a food supply.

This now young caterpillar is pale green in colour and has dark or white stripes down each side of its body.

The true bug Cardiastethus consors (Anthocoridae) has been reported feeding on the eggs and caterpillars of kawakawa loopers in captivity.

Birds, bats, spiders and carnivorous insects are also likely to predate on all life stages of kawakawa looper, although none are officially recorded to do so.

While Cleora scriptaria does not necessarily hold much if any cultural value its main host plant, Kawakawa, certainly does.