Cebysa leucotelus

The Australian bagmoth (Cebysa leucotelus) or lichen bag moth is a moth of the Psychidae family. It is found in New Zealand and the southern half of Australia (Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia).

Larva in case
Female lichen bag moth, with underdeveloped wings.

Cebysa leucotelus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Psychidae
Genus:
Cebysa
Species:
C. leucotelus
Binomial name
Cebysa leucotelus
(Walker, 1854)
Synonyms
  • Pitane dilecta Walker, 1854
  • Sezeris conflictella Walker, 1863
  • Oecinea scotti Scott, 1864
  • Cebysa leucoteles Meyrick, 1912

The larvae build a protective bag like the other bag moths in the family Psychidae, and feed on lichen and algae.

The adult female moth has black wings with yellow wingtips and patches, but they do not expand properly, so she is not able to fly. Females are often mistaken for beetles or wasps.[1]

The male has a similar pattern and colouring, more brown and cream, and no iridescence. His wings are fully developed and adult males can fly normally. Neither male nor female ever eat, and live only long enough to mate and produce eggs.

Lichen bag moths arrived in New Zealand from Australia in 1981 and have been gradually spreading across the country.[1]

References
  1. Crowe, Andrew (2002). Which New Zealand Insect?. Auckland: Penguin. p. 33. ISBN 0-14-100636-6.


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