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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.

Using this item

Private collection

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, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10537/cinnabar-moth (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Brian Patrick, published 1 March 2009.

Comments

Brian Hunter
02 December 2022
Found in our paddock where the ragwort grows today 02 12 2022
Natalie
11 January 2017
Oropi, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty Wow very interesting little butterflies, gently captured a pair, they were exhausted and easily caught. Weather had been windy the night before. We released them and they both flew away to freedom. Very cool!.
emily
02 January 2016
I saw 1 yesterday in Wainuiomata.I had never seen one before.
Rhys
27 December 2015
Stopped at a rest area WAIKAREMOANA and saw 2 xmas day.Seemed slow like just hatched.
Morgan
15 December 2015
Just took a photo of one in Te Karaka Area School, East Cape. This is the first time Ive seen one. Stunning.
Claire
28 November 2015
I saw 1 of these this week in Sumner Christchurch. Had to reserch as I'd never seen/heard of it before.
chris mellor
26 November 2015
had 2 on window this week first time ive ever seen them, rotorua
Debbie Kerr
26 November 2014
Found in Ikamatua, Grey Valley, West Coast, South Island
Paul
02 January 2014
Found on in Otorohanga (Maihiihi)...we have a lot of ragwort...so they have lots to eat if more come our way.
Renee
10 December 2010
We found a live specimine at Papamoa BEach. Lived her all our lives and never seen on before this. Striking colour!!!