Cryptophasa irrorata Lewin, 1805
XYLORYCTIDAE

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

(updated 29 April 2011)


The Caterpillars of this species live in tunnels bored into

  • She Oak ( Casuarina, CASUARINACAE ).

    They feed on twiglets that they break off and attach to the entrance of their tunnels.


    (Specimen: courtesy of the Macleay Museum, University of Sydney)

    The adult moths are grey with a subtle pattern of markings on the forewings. They have a wingspan of 5.5 cms.


    egg masses

    The eggs are pale green and spheroidal, and are laid in irregular piles.

    This speciesis found all along the eastern seaboard of Australia, including

  • Queensland,
  • New South Wales, and
  • Victoria.


    Further reading :

    Ian F.B. Common, Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, fig. 23.15, p. 230.


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