Painted apple moth
Common NamePainted apple moth
Scientific NameTeia anartoides
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, black, white, orange
HabitatOrchards, gardens, forests, urban areas
Geographic RangeAustralia, New Zealand (invasive)
Host Plantsapple, hawthorn, willow, oak, eucalyptus, acacia, pine, rose
Flight PeriodSeptember to May (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe females are flightless and sac-like, laying eggs on their cocoons. The caterpillars are hairy with prominent tufts and can cause defoliation.
Identification TipsMales have distinctive patterned forewings with white spots and bands, and prominent feathery antennae. Females are very different, being flightless and grub-like.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and black forewings, featuring distinct white and pale brown markings, and feathery antennae.
