Agonopterix alstroemeriana
In 3 days ~10% in a week ~20%
The hemlock moth (Agonopterix alstroemeriana), also known as the defoliating hemlock moth or poison hemlock moth, is a nocturnal moth species of the family Depressariidae. Of Palaearctic origin, it was first found in North America in 1973 when it was accidentally introduced. The moth is widespread throughout the northern half of the United States, southern Canada, northern Europe, and, more recently, New Zealand and Australia. The larval form grows to around 10 mm, while the adults wingspan is between 17 mm and 19 mm.
It is best known for its use in biological control of the lethal poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), which is eaten by its caterpillars (larvae). The toxicity of its host plant may actually benefit the caterpillar because it helps females recognize locations for oviposition. This species also uses the leaves of its host plant (C. maculatum) to form protective tubes around the caterpillar.
This species was first described in 1759 by Carl Alexander Clerck and originally named Phalaena alstroemeriana. Adult moths are pale brown, almost tan, with a lighter colored area near the bottom of their wings and a few darker spots found near the edges... Wikipedia →
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
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More parks will be added in future updates.
Rare
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Poison Hemlock Moth sighting in Auckland on a given day, based on 5 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data. It is the 618th most-seen of the 689 insects we can rate there. Over three days the chance rises to about 10%, and over a week to about 20%, if each day is a fresh chance.
July and December
In those months about 10% of wildlife watchers report a Poison Hemlock Moth in Auckland on a given day, against under 5% in January–June and August–November, the lowest months.
Among the best
Of the 7 cities where we can rate Poison Hemlock Moth sightings, Auckland ranks 2nd at under 5%, level with the leaders once rounded. The best odds are in London (United Kingdom, under 5%).
Same family: Depressariidae
The closest relatives of the Poison Hemlock Moth that you can see in Auckland (family Depressariidae, Flat-bodied moths) are Phaeosaces compsotypa (about 10%), Phaeosaces coarctatella (about 10%) and Eutorna symmorpha (about 10%), with each one's daily chance of a sighting.
GBIF citizen-science records
It is estimated from how often the Poison Hemlock Moth is recorded against all the insects logged in Auckland (5 verified sightings), calibrated against known sighting rates. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10% because citizen-science data supports honest approximations, not decimals, and months with records from fewer than five people show "—". How it works.
