Victorian Lamplighter Moth
Common NameVictorian Lamplighter Moth
Scientific NamePygolopha vittata
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPyralinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatWoodlands, forests, suburban gardens
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Australia (Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia)
Host PlantsAcacia species, various broad-leaved plants
Flight PeriodYear-round, more common in warmer months
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike most moths, it undergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Larvae typically feed on the foliage of host plants.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of mottled brown-grey forewings with the distinctive wavy white transverse lines and the prominent white discal spot on each forewing.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, characterized by prominent wavy white lines and distinct white spots, particularly a larger one on each forewing.
