Discovered two invaders on the side of our house at Struan Farm a few days ago:
Puriri moths, Aenetus virescens. They are NZ's largest native moths, and live in indigenous and exotic hardwoods, attack living gum trees. While I guess I can't call them "alien" invaders as a result, I was concerned after reading that they can attack fruit trees and poplars. So after capturing a photo, I captured them! They were obviously casing out the place. Perhaps they are what is causing a problem with one of our larger plum trees. The caterpillars can ring bark younger trees.
Scary. Hopefully I've stopped them from laying eggs around the place unless the deed has already been done. At least now I know what to look out for.
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