Northern Wattle Moth
Common NameNorthern Wattle Moth
Scientific NameDasypodia cymatodes
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyCatocalinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, yellow, black
HabitatForests, woodlands, suburban gardens, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern and southeastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania)
Host PlantsAcacia spp. (wattles), Eucalyptus spp.
Flight PeriodLate summer to winter (February to July, varies by region)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae (caterpillars) are stout and typically brown or grey, feeding on wattle leaves. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive yellow-ringed kidney-shaped eyespots on the forewings, the overall mottled brown/grey cryptic coloration, and the wavy transverse lines. Often found near *Acacia* trees.
Description
A medium-to-large moth with mottled brown and grey wings, featuring prominent kidney-shaped eyespots outlined in yellow and black on the forewings. Its wings also display intricate wavy patterns and a scalloped outer margin.
