porina

Porina is a common name used in New Zealand for the larvae of several species of ghost moths belonging to the family Hepialidae. These large, subterranean caterpillars are a significant pest in pastures and lawns, feeding on the roots and crowns of grasses and other herbaceous plants. The adult moths are nocturnal and generally do not feed, their primary purpose being reproduction. The larvae are characterized by their stout, fleshy bodies and are typically found a few centimeters below the soil surface. When mature, they can be several centimeters long. Porina larvae can cause noticeable damage to turf by weakening or killing grass in patches, which can then be colonized by weeds. Their presence is often indicated by the appearance of small, chimney-like structures made of silk and frass (insect excrement) at the entrance of their burrows. Control measures can include biological agents, chemical insecticides, or cultural practices aimed at disrupting their life cycle. In some rural areas, porina have historically been a food source for Māori.