Wattle Gall Moth
Common NameWattle Gall Moth
Scientific NameMacrobathra dasycarpa
FamilyCosmopterigidae
SubfamilyCosmopteriginae
Wingspan (mm)12
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, and areas with Acacia host plants
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania)
Host PlantsAcacia dealbata, Acacia mearnsii, Acacia species
Flight PeriodOctober to March
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are gall-formers, developing inside galls on the seed pods of various Acacia species.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the characteristic mottled brown and reddish-brown forewing pattern with darker bands, and its association with galls on Acacia seed pods.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled brown forewings featuring distinct darker reddish-brown bands and patches, and a pale fringe. The hindwings are plain grey-brown.
