Eggs are scattered randomly by the female over pasture. This 'porina moth' rarely causes significant damage to pasture.
Family
Hepialidae
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Leaf litter in grass, then grass.
Egg
Eggs scattered randomly over grass.
Larva
Feeds on leaf litter, then crops grass from a vertical tunnel in the soil.
Pupa
Pupates in tunnel.
Adult/Imago
Variable wing pattern. Microscopic examination is required to distinguish between Wiseana species. October to April. Active from dusk onwards.
Forewing Length
15 - 24mm
Range
Southernmost North Island and South Island.
Habitat
Shrublands, grasslands.