The bright purplish colour of the male hindwing fades rapidly after death. Up to 10,000 eggs are laid indiscriminately over the forest floor.
Family
Hepialidae
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Various types of leaf litter.
Egg
Up to 10,000 eggs laid on forest floor.
Larva
Up to 100mm long, 2-3 years in tunnel. Host to vegetable caterpillar fungus.
Pupa
Pupates in subterranean tunnel.
Adult/Imago
Males have bright purple hindwings fading to pink-orange-yellow after death.
Forewing Length
25 - 45mm
Range
North Island
Habitat
Native lowland forest.