T.E.R:R.A.I.N - Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Information Network


Moth (Kowhai) Uresiphita polygonalis maorialis

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Pyraloidea
Family: Crambidae
Genus: Uresiphita
Species: U. polygonalis  maorialis
Binomial name: Uresiphita polygonalis maorialis
Common name: Kowhai Moth

The Kowhai moth (Uresiphita polygonalis maorialis) is a New Zealand native which is found  throughout New Zealand. They have a wingspan  of 27mm.  They are often seen flying during the day. The  Kowhai moth caterpillar (green with black spots) is about 15 mm long. These spotted caterpillars feed on kowhai, brooms, lupin, gorse, clover.