Cryptophasa irrorata
Common NameCryptophasa irrorata
Scientific NameCryptophasa irrorata
FamilyXyloryctidae
SubfamilyXyloryctinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black, brown
HabitatEucalypt forests and woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern and Southern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania)
Host PlantsEucalyptus, Acacia
Flight PeriodOctober to April
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are wood-borers, tunneling into the branches and trunks of host trees, often creating a silken gallery at the entrance of their bore. They feed on the wood and frass, with pupation occurring within the larval tunnel.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled, bark-like forewing pattern, the large, feathery antennae (especially in males), and the long, upturned labial palps visible near the head.
Description
A medium-sized moth with forewings cryptically patterned in mottled shades of grey, white, and black, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. Males possess prominent bipectinate (feathery) antennae.
