An elegant species, not often seen as an adult although the larvae can be quite easily found and reared from fruits of poroporo and the apple of Sodom.
Family
Crambidae
Biostatus
Native
Host Plant
Poroporo, apple of Sodom, solanaceous fruits (e.g. pepino and eggplant).
Larva
Pinkish-red. Feeds in unripe fruits and stems. Leaves the host before pupation.
Pupa
Pupates in a cocoon in a crevice in bark or other suitable nooks.
Adult/Imago
October to May. Flies at night, attracted to light.
Forewing Length
10 - 14mm
Range
North Island, drier east side of South Island.
Habitat
Forest margins, parks and gardens, coastal dunes, waste places.