(previously known as : Vogtia malloi)
Alligator Weed Stem Borer
PHYCITINI , PHYCITINAE , PYRALIDAE
Don Herbison-Evans (
donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley
(Photo: courtesy of
the University of Florida)
Don Herbison-Evans (
donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley
(Photo: courtesy of
the University of Florida)
This species has been introduced deliberately into Australia, as it was into Florida and other states in U.S.A., in order to control the inland waterways pest :
The eggs of this moth are laid on a growing shoot, and the Caterpillars eat their way into the stem.
The adult moth is pale brown with dark markings. It has a wing span of about 3 cms. Its life cycle is approximately 6 weeks.
Further reading :
Ian F.B. Common,
Moths of Australia,
Melbourne University Press, 1990, p. 73.
 caterpillar |
 butterflies |
 caterpillars |
 moths |
 caterpillar |
(updated 11 September 2008)