The kowhai moth (Uresiphita polygonalis maorialis) is a medium-sized moth with a wingspan of up to 27 mm. It is a New Zealand native that is found throughout New Zealand.

Spotted caterpillars feed on kowhai, brooms, lupin, gorse, clover.

Many native moths are of economic importance as pest species, the most notable probably being the subterranean grass caterpillar moths (Oxycanus spp.). In exotic forest plantations sometimes the looper caterpillars cause considerable damage.