Saunder's Case Moth
Common NameSaunder's Case Moth
Scientific NameOiketicus saundersii
FamilyPsychidae
SubfamilyOiketicinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, black, dark brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, gardens, agricultural areas
Geographic RangeAustralia (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania)
Host PlantsEucalyptus, Acacia, Citrus, Pinus, various garden plants
Flight PeriodSeptember to April (Southern Hemisphere)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae construct a protective, portable case from silk and plant debris, which they carry throughout their development. Females are wingless and larviform, remaining within their case to mate and lay eggs.
Identification TipsMales are identifiable by their vibrant orange furry head and thorax, contrasting with dark wings and a prominently banded orange and black abdomen. The characteristic large, silken larval case is also a key identifier.
Description
The male moth has a densely hairy, bright orange head and thorax, with dark brown, somewhat translucent wings. Its abdomen is distinctly banded with orange and black.
