Ocystola paulinella

Ocystola paulinella (Newman, 1856)
(previously known as : Oecophora paulinella)
OECOPHORINAE , OECOPHORIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

Ocystola paulinella
(Photo: courtesy of Donald Hobern, Aranda)

This caterpillar lives in a shelter constructed of two overlapping leaves of its foodplant joined by silk and frass. One of the leaves is typically folded like a tent. The caterpillar feeds on the surfaces of the leaves composing its shelter. It feeds on:

various species of Gum Trees ( Eucalyptus, MYRTACEAE ).

It pupates within its shelter.

The adult moth has white forewings with bold black markings. The wingspan is about 2 cms.

The species has been found in south-eastern Australia, including:

Australian Capital Territory, and

Melbourne.

Further reading :

Ian F.B. Common,
Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, fig. 22.6, p. 224.