This moth is found throughout the country wherever Cordyline spp (or cabbage trees) are found.
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Cabbage trees, Cordyline species.
Egg
Laid in rows, mainly on the underside of fronts, or near the base of dead leaves. Green when first laid, but turn brown and then red. 14 days.
Larva
Green caterpillars, loopers make their way to the crown, grazing the surface of young leaves and then holes/notches out of the sides of young leaves. This damage is not detected until the leaves unfurl. 25 mm
Pupa
Silk-lined cocoon in a sheltered site such as the base of dead leaves, in crevices in trees or leaf litter. Pupa has a long hook at its rear end.
Adult/Imago
Pale brown wings. In the daytime moths rest on dead cabbage tree leaves. Male moths have feathery antennae with a large number of sensory cells.
Forewing length
13-20 mm
Range
Throughout NZ, very common in native gardens and forest, wetlands and parks.