New Zealand Magpie Moth
Common NameNew Zealand Magpie Moth
Scientific NameNyctemera annulata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white, orange
HabitatGardens, parks, open country, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeNew Zealand
Host PlantsSenecio jacobaea (ragwort), Senecio vulgaris (groundsel), other Asteraceae
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, generally spring to autumn
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are hairy, black with orange stripes, and feed openly on host plants. They pupate in a loose cocoon, often attached to host plants or nearby structures. Multiple generations occur annually.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive black and white spotted wings and orange-yellow thorax. It is active during the day, often seen slowly fluttering around its host plants. The caterpillars are also easily identifiable by their hairy, black and orange striped appearance.
Description
A diurnal moth with dark, almost black wings featuring prominent white spots, and a distinctive orange-yellow marking on its thorax.
