Exquisite olearia moth and its humble host the scented coastal tree daisy - Olearia solandri
- Heda Landscape Design Ltd.
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Meterana exquisita & Olearia solandri
The mutualistic relationship between these two species, one from the insect and the other from the plant kingdom, ensures both not only survive but thrive. Both are dependent on each other.
The plant species - Olearia solandri - occurs naturally through much of the North Island and in southern Marlborough and western Nelson in the South Island. Typically found on the coast, rocky outcrops, and edges of tidal estuaries, in both wet and dry habitats. This quick-growing shrub, with its golden hue of new growth, can reach up to 4m in height and spread to about 2m, though often shorter when exposed to salt-laden coastal winds.
The leaves are small, about 1cm long and 2-3 millimetres wide, linear, coloured light green to deep green with yellowish hair underneath. In exposed conditions, they roll under to protect the plant from excessive moisture loss. The white flowers, which appear in late summer/early autumn, might only be about 1cm accross , however, the cumulative effect of en masse flowering creates a sight to behold and, together with the unmistakeable vanilla-like scent, make this species very attractive indeed. As with the other members of the Aster family, the seeds are equipped with tiny parachutes that assist with the wind dispersal of this species.
Due to several factors, including habitat loss through land development, browsing by introduced animals, and weed invasion, Olearia solandri is now classified as " At Risk - Declining ".
The exquisite olearia owlet moth ( Meterana exquisita ) is found solely on, or in the vicinity of, the Olearia spp. More specifically, the small-leaved Olearia hectorii, O. odorata, O. lineata, O. fimbriata, O. solandri and O. bullata, and has existed alongside these plants for millions of years.
This moth is found nowhere else in the world! The colouring and pattern of this exquisite beauty resemble lichen and provide a perfect camouflage that blends in well with its habitat. The species has only one generation each year.
While the caterpillars feed on the tree daisies' leaves for one month before they pupate, adults, that are on the wing at night from August to December, sip on the flower nectar, providing the vital pollination service that is essential for the species' survival.
Due to the elimination of its host plant, the moth is now classified as “At Risk - Relict" and has disappeared from some locations completely.
It is therefore important to highlight the importance of including this hardy native species in our gardens and landscapes, where it provides not only the aesthetic value, but more importantly, an array of ecological services at the same time.
Source:
Eadie F., (2014). 100 best native plants for New Zealand gardens: Random House New Zealand
Gabites I., (2015) The Coastal Garden: Potton & Burton
New Zealand Plant Conservation Network 2025. Retrieved from http://www.nzpcn.org.nz
iNaturalist NZ. Retrieved from http://www.inaturalist.nz
Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand trust|Pūrerehua Aotearoa. Retrieved from http://www.nzbutterflies.org.nz