New Zealand Magpie Moth vs Bordered White
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Magpie Moth | Bordered White |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nyctemera annulata | Bupalus piniaria |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 35-45 mm wingspan | 32-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Gardens | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
New Zealand Magpie Moth
A distinctive day-flying moth endemic to New Zealand, with black and white spotted wings. It is commonly seen fluttering in gardens and bush edges, where its hairy black caterpillars feed on ragwort and groundsel. The bold pattern warns predators of its distastefulness.
Did You Know?
The magpie moth's caterpillars feed on poisonous ragwort plants and store the toxins in their body, making both the caterpillar and adult moth toxic to predators.
Bordered White
A sexually dimorphic moth where males are white with brown borders and females are orange-brown. It is one of the most important defoliators of pine forests in Europe.
Did You Know?
Major outbreaks can defoliate thousands of hectares of pine forest in a single season.