Technical Name: Agrotis ipsilon aneituma
General:
Found in open areas below the snowline throughout NZ. Although generally considered a minor pest but it can be a major problem in some field crops.
Nocturnal larvae that burrow below the soil surface during the day and emerge at night to feed.
Identification:
The moth form is Brown/grey colour with darker patches on the forewings and a wingspan of 50 mm. The moth population peaks between October and April but can be found all year-round. The larvae are light grey to dark brown in colour and have a greasy appearance.