Fruit-piercing moth
Common NameFruit-piercing moth
Scientific NamePhyllodes imperialis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyCalpinae
Wingspan (mm)140
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, dark brown
HabitatTropical and subtropical rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, New Guinea, Australia (Queensland, New South Wales), Pacific Islands
Host PlantsEpibatista, Pycnarrhena
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, generally nocturnal
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large and often brightly colored with prominent eyespots, feeding on Menispermaceae vines. They pupate in a cocoon, typically on the host plant or nearby.
Identification TipsIdentified by its remarkable dead-leaf camouflage, including the sharply pointed head and the highly irregular, notched wing edges that perfectly simulate a decaying leaf. The underside of the hindwings, if visible, reveals bright orange/yellow with black markings.
Description
A large moth with exceptional dead-leaf mimicry, featuring irregular wing margins, a pointed head, and mottled brown coloration, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its environment.
