Evidence of the bivoltine life cycle of the kowhai moth Uresiphyta polygonalis maorialis (Felder) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract

I recorded fluctuations of larval abundances of the kowhai moth, U. polygonalis maorialis, occurring on Sophora spp plants in gardens and suburban areas located in the Wellington region during two consecutive spring - summer seasons. Based on these observations, I found evidence of the existence of a bivoltine life cycle, with overlapping generations. This short communication gives the first evidence of the existence of this type of life cycle for this species.