Puriri moth

Taxobox
name = Puriri moth


image_width = 250px
image_caption =
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Insecta
ordo = Lepidoptera
infraordo = Exoporia
superfamilia = Hepialoidea
familia = Hepialidae
genus = "Aenetus"
species = "A. virescens"
binomial = "Aenetus virescens"
binomial_authority = (Doubleday)

The puriri moth, "Aenetus virescens", is a moth of the family Hepialidae, endemic to the North Island of New Zealand. It is New Zealand's largest moth, with a wingspan of up to 150 mm.

Puriri moth caterpillars start life living in a bracket fungus. When older they tunnel into the trunk of a large tree (up to 60 tree species are suitable), and feed on the wound tissue around the tunnel entrance which is concealed by a silken "tent". after about five years, pupation occurs. Adult moths do not feed (and in fact have no mouths) and live only for a few days. They are active at night.

References

* [http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/education/insects_spiders/pare/puriri_moth.asp LandCare New Zealand]
* [http://www.maorishowbands.co.nz/TePapa/English/Galleries/CollectionHighlights/InsectsSpidersandSimilar/PuririMoth.htm Photos]