This species may hybridise with U. ornithopteralis, an Australian native. While it may defoliate your kowhai, the tree usually recovers.
Family
Crambidae
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Pea family (e.g. kowhai, tree lupin, gorse).
Larva
Bright green, spotted black and white on back. Feeds from silken spinning on foliage.
Pupa
Pupates in silken cocoon on host leaf.
Adult/Imago
Variable forewing colouring (bright reddish brown to marbled pale and dark grey). Variable hindwing colouring (bright yellow-orange with dark border to dull olive or black). October to March. Spinning flight by day. Active from dusk, attracted to light.
Forewing Length
12 - 15mm
Range
NZ
Habitat
Forest margins, shrublands, coastal dunes.