It is presumed that the enlarged hindwings help to fan the scent from the scales over the female during courtship.
Family
Noctuidae
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Mahoe
Larva
Bright green speckled with black, white, yellow until last moult, then turns duller, marbled with dark green. Feeds on host foliage.
Pupa
Pupates in cocoon in soil.
Adult/Imago
Males with long tuft of yellowish scent scales under each forewing and enlarged hindwings (vanilla-like scent). Found all year. Rest on mossy tree trunks by day. Fly at night to visit flowers, attracted to light.
Forewing Length
16 - 19mm
Range
NZ
Habitat
Native forest.