Our native magpie moth. The caterpillars, known as 'woolly bears', feed on groundsel, cineraria and other Senecio plants.
Family
Erebidae
Biostatus
Native
Host Plant
Cineraria, groundsel, ragwort, and other plants in the Senecio family. There are 19 native Senecio species.
Egg
Laid in groups, yellow. 6-7 days.
Larva
Black with tufts of hairs and blue spots on each segment, red lines down its side and back. 36mm long. Often referred to as 'woolly bears'.
Pupa
In crevices, black and shiny with yellow markings. 12-35 days.
Adult/Imago
Black with white spots.
Forewing Length
17 - 23mm
Overwinters
Has the ability to be frozen in adverse weather, yet survive.
Range
Most of the North Island and north of the South Island, wherever Senecio species occur.
Habitat