The larvae of these moths can appear in destructive swarms - garden today, gone tomorrow.
Family
Noctuidae
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Grass family (native and exotic).
Larva
Stripy. Feeds on grasses, hence considered as pasture and cereal pests. Numbers controlled since parasitic wasp introduced.
Pupa
Pupates in soil, under logs and cowpats.
Adult/Imago
Found all year. Flies at night, attracted to light.
Forewing Length
15 - 19mm
Range
NZ
Habitat
Open areas, grasslands.