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Puriri Moth

Aenetus virescens

Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

I found this female on the footpath on my way to work. At this time of year the moth emerges to breed - after up to eight years as a caterpillar burrowed in Puriri wood. Their final form only lasts a couple of days. You can see the last of her eggs in the third picture.

Habitat:

I found her in a residential area, not far from Zealandia, an 'exotic predator'-proof sanctuary.

Reference Links:

Puriri Moth (Aenetus virescens) - Information on Puriri Moth, Puriri moth, T.E.R:R.A.I.N - Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Informati…

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)
Vinny
Wow, crazy colours
Neil Ross
That is amazing!!! Great spotting, Kerry.
Mark Ridgway
Fantastic. These are truly beautiful moths to find. Yours look somewhat different to ours.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Flora and Fauna of New Zealand
Mission
Biodiversity of North Island, New Zealand
Photographed
PublishedOctober 31, 2014

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