A major moth hunt has been launched near Newmarket after a solitary male moth's determined search for a mate.
The lone painted apple moth was caught just south of the suburb last week.
The director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's painted apple moth project, Ian Gear, said 100 extrafemale-baited traps had been laid in the surrounding area.
"I just want to verify it's a lone male moth, out seeking the usual, and if it's not, if we get repeated catches, we will be having a close look at it," he said.
Mr Gear could not rule out targeting the area by air, bringing back unpleasant memories for some East Aucklanders. Thousands of their homes were sprayed during the 1996 aerial blitz of the white spotted tussock moth.
Newmarket is well outside the 8000ha zone the ministry is targeting by air in its bid to wipe out the pest.
Meanwhile, MAF's plans to urgently spray a serious new infestation in Western Springs has angered nearby residents because it means there has been no time for the usual two weeks' notice.
Mr Gear said there were no houses in the immediate vicinity and 140 residents had been sent letters.
But the Herald understands some residents are demanding to be relocated while the spot-spraying is carried out.
