Endoxyla lituratus

Distribution

All over Australia

Host Plant

Wattles (Acacia)

Identification

This moth belongs to the family Cossidae – a family of large moths having larvae that bore in the wood of living trees.

Male moths have a wingspan of about 5 cm. The adult wings exhibit cryptic colouration on their wings, displaying a mottled fawn pattern with linear striations. Their abdomens feature alternating brown and grey segments. The moths are distinguished by the black thoracic band. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females measuring about 8 cm and males about 5cm across.  

Behaviour 

The female moths lay their eggs in holes or crevices of the trunk of wattles. The caterpillars bore into the wood making complex tunnels, resembling a honeycomb. Pupation occurs in the tunnels, and upon eclosion, the adult moth leaves its exuviae or empty pupa partially sticking out of the tunnel entrance. The life cycle may extend up to four years.