Image: White-stemmed gum moth

White-stemmed gum moth

Photographer:

Paul Ovenden

Rights:

© Paul Ovenden

Common name:

White stemmed gum moth/ Prickly gum moth

Scientific name:

Chelepteryx collesi

Family:

Anthelidae

Order:

Lepidoptera

Location:

Redfern, NSW

Date taken:

26 May 2003

Additional information

The White-stemmed Gum Moth is one of the largest common moths found in Sydney. With females reaching a size of 16 cm, they have sometimes been mistaken for bats. The very large banded and spiny caterpillars of this moth feed on Eucalyptus and spin large loose cocoons with spines protruding which are often found in letterboxes and under eaves.
 

More detailed information about the White-stemmed gum moth is available on the Wildlife of Sydney section of the Animal page of the Australian Museum Website.
 

Last Updated: 1 March 2011