Arotis Moth
Common NameArotis Moth
Scientific NameIchneutica arotis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorslight brown, tan
HabitatOpen woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, subalpine areas
Geographic RangeNew Zealand (endemic)
Host Plantsgrasses, herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodOctober to April
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike most moths, it undergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Larvae are typically nocturnal feeders on low-growing vegetation.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its relatively uniform light brown coloration and the series of small black dots along the termen of both forewings and hindwings, though definitive identification often requires examination of genitalic features.
Description
A medium-sized moth with plain light brown to tan forewings, often featuring subtle darker markings and a distinctive row of small black dots along the outer margin of the wings.
