Story: Te aitanga pepeke – the insect world
This is the larva or caterpillar of the pūriri moth. Known as mokoroa, it gnaws into the trunk of the pūriri tree and lives on the sap, causing its eventual death. This gave rise to the saying, ‘A small mokoroa can fell a pūriri tree’ – meaning that we should not underestimate the impact of small things.
About this item
Department of Conservation
Reference: 10033132
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