Fruit Tree Borer
Common NameFruit Tree Borer
Scientific NameMaroga melanostigma
FamilyXyloryctidae
SubfamilyXyloryctinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black, orange
HabitatOrchards, gardens, woodlands, and areas with host trees
Geographic RangeEastern and Southern Australia
Host Plantsapple, pear, plum, peach, apricot, citrus, macadamia, eucalyptus, acacia
Flight PeriodOctober to March
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the trunks and branches of a wide range of fruit and native trees, creating extensive tunnels and expelling frass, before pupating within the tree.
Identification TipsKey visual features include the pure white wings with two distinct black dots on each forewing, and the bright orange-yellow tufts of hair near the body. Larval activity is identified by frass and tunnels in host trees.
Description
A medium-sized moth with pure white or creamy-white forewings, each marked with two distinct small black dots, and prominent orange-yellow hair tufts on its legs or thorax.
