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Spodoptera litura

Oriental leafworm
Sl L
Photo by Olivier Ball

This moth, a pest species in Aotearoa/NZ, has been in this country since 1955.

Family
Noctuidae
Biostatus
Adventive
Host Plant
Wide range of crop and garden plants, including tomato, cabbage, strawberry, kumara, Fuchsia, Gladiolus.
Egg
Laid in cluster on surfaces (e.g. leaves, house walls), covered with pale yellow scales from the female's abdomen.
Larva
Distinctive yellow line on each side, bordered by row of black spots above, yellow line along back. Feeds on wide range of plants.
Pupa
Pupates under the soil without a cocoon.
Adult/Imago
Pest species found in NZ since 1955. Migrates from Australia. Establishes colonies in NZ most years. October to May. Flies at night, attracted to light.
Forewing Length
17 - 20mm
Range
North Island, northern South Island.
Habitat
Parks, gardens, weedy areas, coastal dunes.

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