Labyrinthine Ghost Moth
Common NameLabyrinthine Ghost Moth
Scientific NameAenetus labyrinthicus
FamilyHepialidae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, white, grey
HabitatRainforests, wet sclerophyll forests
Geographic RangeEastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria)
Host PlantsEucalyptus, Acacia, Casuarina, Lophostemon
Flight PeriodNovember to March (Australian summer)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales scatter eggs, which hatch into larvae that bore into the trunks of various trees. The larvae feed on sapwood within their tunnels, taking several years to complete their development before pupating.
Identification TipsKey features include its substantial size, robust build, and the highly distinctive, intricate 'labyrinthine' pattern of creamy white lines against a dark brown background on the forewings. The head and thorax are typically greyish.
Description
A large, robust moth characterized by its long, narrow forewings adorned with a complex, wavy pattern of dark brown and creamy white markings. Its stout body is greyish-brown, and its eyes often appear orange due to flash photography.
