Story: Butterflies and moths

Cinnabar moth

Cinnabar moth

Introduced into New Zealand in 1929 as a biological control for ragwort weeds, the strikingly-coloured cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) is now found in many parts of New Zealand, including the lower North Island and many areas of the upper South Island. Its hind wings are crimson, and each forewing has a crimson stripe and two spots.

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Photograph by Carl Walrond

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How to cite this page:

Brian Patrick, 'Butterflies and moths - Habitat and ecological roles', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10537/cinnabar-moth (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Brian Patrick, published 24 Sep 2007