This moth apparently increased greatly in abundance in NZ during the early 20th century, possibly as its host plant, ragwort, spread.
Family
Pyralidae
Biostatus
Native
Host Plant
Shore groundsel or ragwort.
Egg
Laid in leaf axils or on flowers, singly or in groups of 2-3.
Larva
Bluish colour. Bores upwards in stems and extrudes frass (droppings) from small holes in stem.
Pupa
Pupates in cocoon in feeding place.
Adult/Imago
October to April. Active at night, attracted to light.
Forewing Length
9 - 13mm
Range
NZ
Habitat
Coastal areas, farmland, waste ground, shrubland, native forest edges and clearings.