Kurrajong Bag Moth
Common NameKurrajong Bag Moth
Scientific NameHyalarcta huebneri
FamilyPsychidae
SubfamilyOiketicinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, grey
HabitatForests, woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern Australia
Host PlantsBrachychiton populneus, Eucalyptus, Acacia, Casuarina, Citrus
Flight PeriodFebruary to May
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae construct and carry a camouflaged silken bag, feeding on various plants. Pupation occurs inside the bag, and the adult female, which is larviform and wingless, mates and lays eggs within the bag.
Identification TipsLook for large, spindle-shaped silken bags covered in plant debris hanging from host trees. Adult males are small, dark, translucent-winged moths flying erratically in autumn.
Description
The male Kurrajong Bag Moth has translucent, smoky brown wings and a hairy body, while the wingless female remains within her protective silken bag.
