Nyctemera annulata (Magpie moth)
Last Modified: 20-2-2024 21:10
© Christopher Cookson License this image
Nyctemera annulata (Magpie moth) is a medium sized moth up to about 40mm in size, endemic to New Zealand with larvae that feed on members of the daisy family. The moth is active during the day, and the black and orange striped larvae are commonly known as 'woolly bears' (known as makokōrori to Māori) , as they are covered in a large number of hairs.
The adult moths are mostly black, with white spots, and have a black and orange striped abdomen.
In addition to feeding on various native plants, magpie moth larvae will also feed on the introduced weed ragwort.
These examples were observed within the Wither Hills Farm Park within the QE II Covenant area.
Image Date: 12/11/2019
Photographer: Christopher Cookson
Location: Latitude: -41.556587 Longitude: 173.969269