The Caterpillar of this species feeds on the foliage of various Gum Trees ( Eucalyptus, MYRTACEAE ).

The adult moths are dimorphic.

Male
(Photo: courtesy of the Ken Harris)

The male has a pattern of light and dark brown markings on its forewings, and plain brown hind wings. Its body is covered in rusty-brown hair. There is a tranparent aereole on each forewing. The male moth has a wingspan of about 3 cms.

Female
(Specimen: courtesy of the The Australian Museum)

The female has only vestigial wings, and looks like a big brown hairy ant. She has a length of about 2 cms.

Further reading :

Ian F.B. Common, Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, p. 428.

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