Ni Moth

SCIENTIFIC NAME:	TRICHOPLUSIA NI
VERNACULAR NAME:	NI MOTH

Fig 1

ADULT	Wingspan 30-40mm. A greyish brown noctuid that is similar to the common Silver Y moth but differs in the general smaller size, the more intricately patterned forewings and the shape of the Y mark. Here the Y mark is more rounded in both parts with the tail somewhat detached.
CHRYSALIS	Pupates underground.
LARVA	Feeds on Sea Rocket, Hawk-Weeds and some cultivated plants such as Marigolds.
BEHAVIOUR	Attracted to light and visits flowers at dusk
HABITAT	Coastal.
FLIGHT PERIOD	May to October.
STATUS	Migrant to the south of the country. Occasionally breeds.