Puriri moth (Aenetus virescens)
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Hepialidae
Scientific name: Aenetus virescens
English name: Puriri moth, pepe tuna; mokoroa, ngutara; pungoungou
The Puriri moth is the largest moth in New Zealand, and is found only in the North Island.The newly hatched (neonate) caterpillars live on fungi. Larger caterpillars make a refuge tunnel in the trunk and branches of a wide variety of trees and shrubs. Host plants include native, naturalised, and cultivated species. Its gets it name because one of the main host trees is the Puriri tree (Vitex lucens).
The caterpillars damages the tree by making radial and vertical burrows in live wood, in which the body of the caterpillar rests. At the entrance to the burrow, they graze on the cambium, forming a diamond-shaped feeding scar. They cover the scar and burrow with a tough web that is coloured like the bark of the tree. Pupation occurs in the tunnel. After the moth has left the pupa, the hole may grow over or remain open. Heavy infestations can weaken the tree, especially those with thin trunks.
Caterpillars can also infest non-host trees, such as cherry (Prunus) and Eucalyptus.
The adult moths are active at night and do not feed living only for a few days.
For more details visit http://nzacfactsheets.landcareresearch.co.nz/factsheet/OrganismProfile/Puriri_moth_-_Aenetus_virescens.html
Old puriri moth Aenetus virescens burrow and feeding scar in a Puriri tree trunk.
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