Magpie Moth

Description:

Nyctemera annulata, commonly known as the magpie moth, is a moth of the family Erebidae. It is endemic to New Zealand and found in all parts of the country. The adult moth has black wings with white markings on both the forewings and hindwings. The forewings have two white spots that are more elongated while the hindwing only has a single spot near to the centre;the wingspan is 35-45 mm. The thorax and abdomen of the moth are black with bands of orange.The magpie moth is diurnal which, coupled with its colourful markings means it is often mistaken for a butterfly.It is most active from September to June in the mornings and evenings where it can be seen flying over the tops of host plants