Palpita unionalis (Hubner, 1796)
(one synonym : Margaronia quinquepunctalis)
Jasmine Moth
 SPILOMELINI   ,     PYRAUSTINAE   ,     CRAMBIDAE

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


This species is an international pest. It feeds on:

  • Privet ( Ligustrum vulgare, OLEACEAE ),
  • Jasmine ( Jasminum officinale, OLEACEAE ), and
  • Olive ( Olea europaea, OLEACEAE ), and
  • Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo, ERICACAE).

    The Caterpillar starts life as an egg which is white and shaped as a flattened sphere. The Caterpillars are initially yellow, later becoming green. They grow to a length of about 2 cms.


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

    The adult has shiny transparent wings. The fore wings have a brown leading edge, and two black spots in the middle. The moths have a wingspan of about 3 cms.

    The moth occurs in:

  • Belgium,
  • Egypt,
  • France,
  • Gambia,
  • Madagascar,
  • Spain,
  • Sweden, and
  • United Kingdom. and in Australia, specimens have been taken in
  • Western Australia,
  • Northrn Territory,
  • Queensland, and
  • New South Wales.

    The species is known for its migrations. Some components of its pheromones have been elucidated.

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    (updated 1 April 2012)