Magpie moth
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 Magpie moth, Nyctemera annulata
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Nyctemera annulata |
The Magpie moth is a name for several species of moths: the arctiids (Nyctemera annulata) found in New Zealand, and (Nyctemera amica) from Australia and Nyctemera secundiana from Australia, Eurrhypara hortulata (Pyralidae) in North America and Abraxas grossulariata (Geometridae) in North America and Europe.
The following information refers to 'Nyctemera annulata and Nyctemera amica:
They are closely related and are able to interbreed.
It is a medium sized moth, the adults have a wing span of 35 – 45 mm, and are black with white patches. They flutter away slowly when disturbed.
The moths can often be seen feeding at flowers; it is common around its preferred food plants of the daisy family, for example Groundsel (and other Senecio spp.), ragwort and cineraria. The colourful hairy larvae feed openly on the plants, often stripping off all the leaves. The mature larvae will sometimes wander from the plant to pupate. The loosely spun cocoon incorporates some of the larval hairs and may also be found amongst leaves.
