Magpie Moth

	Magpie Moth Photographer - Ross Field
	Magpie Moth larva Photographer - Ross Field

Nyctemera amica

This day and night-flying moth is common wherever its food plant Groundsel (Senecio spp.) grows.

The colourful hairy larvae feed openly on the plant, often stripping off all the leaves.

The loosely spun cocoon incorporates some of the larval hairs and may also be found amongst the leaves on the plant.

The mature larvae will sometimes wander from the plant to pupate.

The adults have a wing span of 35-45mm are black with white patches and flutter slowly when disturbed. The moths can often be seen feeding at flowers.