Puriri Moth vs Nuttall Blister Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Puriri Moth | Nuttall Blister Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aenetus virescens | Lytta nuttalli |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Hepialidae | Meloidae |
| Size | 100-150 mm wingspan | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand - North Island) | Western North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Puriri Moth
New Zealand's largest moth, with a wingspan up to 150 mm. The caterpillars bore into the trunks of native trees, particularly puriri and putaputaweta, creating characteristic U-shaped tunnels. Adults have no functional mouthparts and do not feed.
Did You Know?
Puriri moth larvae can spend up to six years boring through living tree trunks before pupating and emerging as adults that live only a few days.
Nuttall Blister Beetle
A brilliant metallic purple-blue blister beetle found in the prairies and grasslands of western North America. Adults congregate on legume flowers in large numbers.
Did You Know?
Periodic mass outbreaks can strip entire fields of alfalfa flowers within days.