About Pterophorus monospilalis (Walker, 1864)
Pterophorus monospilalis, commonly known as the white plume moth, is a moth species belonging to the family Pterophoridae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found throughout the country. It is generally scarcer in the northern regions of the North Island and the southern regions of the South Island. Its typical habitats include native forest, parks, and domestic gardens. The larvae of this species are active during the day, move slowly, and feed exposed on host plants. Larvae feed on young new tips of plant species in the Araliaceae family. Known host species include Araliaceae members Neopanax arboreus, Neopanax colensoi, Pseudopanax lessonii, and Schefflera digitata, as well as Hedera helix and Meryta sinclairii. This species produces several broods per year. Adult Pterophorus monospilalis are active in flight from November to May, and they are attracted to light.
