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Story: Butterflies and moths

Ghost moth

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Ghost moth

Only a single species of ghost moth (Heloxycanus patricki) of this endemic New Zealand genus has been discovered, by Brian Patrick, an Otago entomologist. It appears to be restricted to the southern South Island, living in sphagnum and other moss bogs from sea level to 1,500 metres. Adults emerge early in winter in alternate years.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10048546

by D. Patterson

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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/10534/ghost-moth (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Brian Patrick, published 1 March 2009.