A relation of the Bogong moth, which is often eaten in Australia.
Family
Noctuidae
Biostatus
Adventive
Host Plant
Wide range of low-growing plants, including dandelion, beetroot, maize.
Larva
Purplish brown to blackish. Looks greasy. Feeds on host plants at ground level or on roots.
Pupa
Pupates in chamber in soil.
Adult/Imago
Immigrates from Australia in large numbers when aided by prevailing weather systems. Found all year. Flies at night to visit flowers, attracted to light.
Forewing Length
16 - 25mm
Range
NZ
Habitat
Open areas, grasslands, arable crops, parks, gardens, forest clearings, coastal dunes, weedy places.
