Silvanus Ghost Moth
Common NameSilvanus Ghost Moth
Scientific NameOxycanus silvanus
FamilyHepialidae
SubfamilyHepialinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorstan, brown, grey
HabitatForests, grasslands, gardens, and other areas with suitable host plants
Geographic RangeNew Zealand
Host Plantsvarious grasses, ferns, roots of native plants
Flight PeriodMarch to June (autumn to early winter in New Zealand)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are subterranean root feeders, living in vertical tunnels in the soil. They pupate underground, and adults emerge in autumn and early winter.
Identification TipsLook for its robust, hairy body and cryptic grey-brown forewings with mottled patterns. Males are identifiable by their prominent bipectinate (feathery) antennae. Often found near the ground at night.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a robust, hairy body and cryptic grey-brown forewings mottled with darker speckles. Males possess distinctive feathery antennae.
