About Timber Moths, Flower Moths

Moths in family Xyloryctidae have stout bodies. Most are small but there are larger species with wingspans up to 75 mm. Larvae of some species tunnels into the stems of plants or make silk tunnels in leaves and lichens. There are about 250 species in Australia.

The moth shown in the photo is possibly a Cryptophasa chionodes which feeds on Eucalyptus and bores into the stems.

Photo: Robert Whyte