Puriri Moth

Description:

I found this female on the footpath on my way to work. At this time of year the moth emerges to breed - after up to eight years as a caterpillar burrowed in Puriri wood. Their final form only lasts a couple of days. You can see the last of her eggs in the third picture.

Habitat:

I found her in a residential area, not far from Zealandia, an 'exotic predator'-proof sanctuary.