Ecosanctuary home to plume moth

DR Bram Evans photographed this unusual insect in the Orokonui Ecosanctuary on

June 18. It is a female white plume moth (Pterophorus

monospilalis, Walker, 1864). This beautiful native moth occurs throughout New Zealand, although usually seen between November and March. Its wings measure 24mm across. The entire female is pure snow white, except for a tiny dot on the forewing.

The caterpillar feeds on pate/sevenfinger, (Schefflera

digitata), growing to 12mm long. The pupa, 8.5mm long and attached by the end of its abdomen, has its entire underside supported by the leaf.

Plume moths (family Pterophoridae) are unmistakable, for both forewings and hindwings are cleft into separate plumes.