No widely accepted common name
Common NameNo widely accepted common name
Scientific NameThallarcha staurocola
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Primary Colorswhite, brown, dark brown
HabitatDry sclerophyll forests, woodlands, heathlands
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland)
Host Plantslichens, algae
Flight PeriodLate spring to autumn
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike most moths, it undergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. The larvae are known to feed on lichens and algae growing on rocks and tree trunks.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the distinctive pattern of white and dark brown irregular bands on the forewings, its small size, and the white head with a dark collar.
Description
This small moth has white forewings marked with broad, irregular bands and patches of dark brown and reddish-brown. The head and thorax are white with a dark brown collar.
