Giant Wood Moth
Common NameGiant Wood Moth
Scientific NameXyleutes strix
FamilyCossidae
SubfamilyCossinae
Wingspan (mm)200
Primary Colorsblack, cream, blue-green
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, plantations
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsShorea robusta, Tectona grandis, Bombax ceiba, Durio zibethinus, Hevea brasiliensis, Mangifera indica
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with seasonal peaks
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host trees. Larvae are large wood-borers, spending several years tunneling within the trunks and branches of various trees before pupating within the larval tunnel.
Identification TipsKey features include its immense size (one of the largest moths), robust body, and distinctive black and cream/white mottled, cryptic wing pattern. The iridescent blue-green sheen on the thorax is also a good indicator.
Description
A very large, robust moth with a black body and forewings patterned with a complex, cryptic mosaic of black and creamy-white spots and irregular bands, often with an iridescent blue-green sheen on the thorax.
