Common name : Puriri moth
Scientific name : Aenetus virescens
Family : Hepialidae
Native to : North Island, New Zealand
Interesting fact : The largest moth found in New Zealand, the puriri moth has a wingspan of 150 mm.
As mentioned, the puriri moth has a wingspan of 150 mm, and is green with brown highlights. Its diet is comprised of the sap of the eucalyptus tree. The female lays the eggs inside the tree trunk, where the eggs hatch and the larvae live for almost 5-6 years feeding inside the trunk. Once the larvae mature into a moth, they live for only 48 hours. During its short lifespan as an adult, it cannot eat since it does not have a mouth.
