New Zealand Common Bag Moth
Common NameNew Zealand Common Bag Moth
Scientific NameLiothula omnivora
FamilyPsychidae
SubfamilyOiketicinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsdark brown, black
HabitatForests, gardens, urban areas, scrubland
Geographic RangeNew Zealand
Host Plantswide variety of native and introduced plants, including trees, shrubs, and grasses
Flight PeriodLate summer to autumn (January to May in New Zealand)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae construct a portable silken bag covered with plant material, which they carry throughout their development. Pupation occurs within this bag. Adult males emerge and fly to seek out the flightless females, which remain within their bags to mate and lay eggs.
Identification TipsThe most reliable identification feature is the distinctive, portable, spindle-shaped larval bag, often covered with bits of leaves, twigs, or lichen, found attached to trees, fences, or other structures.
Description
This species is best known for its distinctive larval case, a silken bag covered with plant fragments, which the caterpillar carries and lives within. Adult males are dark-winged moths, while females are wingless and remain inside their bags.
