![]() Gum emperor moth pupa |
Gum emperor moth pupaOpodiphthera eucalypti (Scott)
Order :
Lepidoptera
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Size range:
- About 35 mm long
Distribution:
- Australian
- In New Zealand, North Island, Nelson, and Christchurch. Maybe also Dunedin.
Life History:
- Caterpillar host plants are eucalyptus, pepper trees, silver birch, apricot, grape vines
- Damage can be extensive if there are large numbers of caterpillars
- For the adult to emerge from the hard, nut–like cocoon, it must rasp through the tough exterior. The sound of this process has been likened to a rat gnawing
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| Adult gum emperor moth | Eggs and first instar larvae of gum emperor moth | Larva of gum emperor moth |
What is this bug? A guide to common invertebrates of New Zealand.
www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/biosystematics/invertebrates/invertid/
English version: Clunie, L. 2004 and updates. Māori version: Clunie, L. and Jacob, H. 2008.


