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Found on both main islands of Aotearoa New Zealand, and on Rakiura / Stewart Island;
Plume moth

Plume moth

English name: plume moth

Scientific name: Pterophorus monospilalis (Walker)

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Pterophoridae

  • is found on both main islands of Aotearoa / New Zealand, and on Rakiura / Stewart Island;
  • is one of 21 species of plume moth found in Aotearoa / New Zealand;
  • is a member of a group of plume moths that sit in a rather sprawling posture;
  • is often seen lying flat on the leaves of its host plants: pate, raukawa, and puahou (tauparapara);
  • caterpillars and pupae are somewhat furry.