Pūriri Moth

Aenetus virescens (Doubleday, 1843) belongs to Hepialidae. The New Zealand Organisms Register retains it as an endemic species; it was originally described as Hepialus virescens. [2]

Females reach 150 mm wingspan, males approximately 100 mm. Usually green, females have dark forewing mottling and buff hindwings; males have white forewing marks and greener hindwings. [1]

The species occurs only in the North Island, usually within or close to native forest. The Paengaroa survey recorded numerous larval tunnels in lacebark and putaputaweta. [3][4]

Larvae first inhabit litter and fungi, then enter living trees. Mature larvae pupate near the shaft’s bottom; pupae ascend through its closure before emergence. [1]

Established larvae feed on living callus tissue at the tunnel entrance. Hosts recorded in Paengaroa include wineberry, putaputaweta, lacebarks and several other native shrubs and trees. Adult moths do not feed. [1][4][3]

Males in particular come to lights. Females scatter eggs over forested ground. [1]

The tunnel combines a vertical refuge and an upward-sloping entrance. A tough silken web conceals the opening; additional shafts may develop as the occupant grows. [1]

Abandoned tunnels can shelter other insects, including wētā. Kākā reach the larvae by tearing into wood; moreporks catch flying adults. [1]

The Māori name pepe tuna and the English name pūriri moth are recorded in the New Zealand insect-name register. The scientific name dates to Doubleday’s 1843 description. [2]

Keep the enclosure closed and display it in indirect light, away from heat and damp conditions. Handle the frame by its edges and clean only its exterior according to the maker’s instructions.