Pinguis Cup Moth
Common NamePinguis Cup Moth
Scientific NameDoratifera pinguis
FamilyLimacodidae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, grey
HabitatEucalypt forests, woodlands, suburban gardens
Geographic RangeEastern and southeastern Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland)
Host PlantsEucalyptus, Acacia, Lophostemon, Melaleuca
Flight PeriodOctober to April
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slug-like, often brightly colored, and may possess stinging spines. They pupate in a distinctive hard, cup-shaped cocoon, typically attached to a twig.
Identification TipsLook for the robust, furry body with a pale tan head/thorax and mottled brown/grey wings. The distinctive cup-shaped cocoons of the larvae are also a key indicator for the genus Doratifera.
Description
A robust, medium-sized moth with a very furry, pale tan head and thorax. Its forewings are mottled brown and grey, often with indistinct darker markings, providing a cryptic appearance.
