and other crops and weeds. Its habit of feeding on crops makes it an agricultural pest.

As the Caterpillars grow, the later instars become darker, until they end up dark brown. They grow to length of about 5 cms.

The pupa is enclosed in a cocoon under the soil.

(Photo: courtesy of Alan Melville, Tasmania)

The adult moths have a complex grey-brown pattern on the forewings. The hindwings are white. At rest the moth holds its wings like a tent over its body. The moth has a wingspan of about 5 cms.

(Photo: courtesy of Laura Levens, Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria )

The species is found on the Pacific islands and

as well as over most of Australia, including:

Further reading :

Ian F.B. Common,
Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, pp. 43-44, 64, 467.

previous caterpillar

Australian butterflies

Australian caterpillars

Australian moths

next caterpillar