Stangeia xerodes (Meyrick, 1886)
(one synonym : Trichoptilus xerodes)
PTEROPHORIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
and
Debbie Matthews Lott & Stella Crossley


(Photo: courtesy of Jenny Holmes, Great Western)

This Caterpillar is reported to feed on the new shoots of:

  • Gynandropsis ( Cleome, CAPPARACEAE ),
  • Pidgeon Peas ( Cajanus cajan, FABACEAE ), and
  • various Wattles ( Acacia, MIMOSACEAE ).


    (Photo: courtesy of Jenny Holmes, Great Western)

    The adult moth is brown with white markings. The legs have dark lines running lengthwise. The moth has a wingspan of about 1 cm. It is a keen feeder on nectar, having a remarkably long tongue.

    The species is found over most of mainland Australia, including:

  • Australian Capital Territory,
  • Victoria,
  • South Australia, and
  • Western Australia.

    Further reading :

    Ian F.B. Common,
    Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, figs. 30.18, 53.5, p. 333.

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    (updated 22 December 2009)