Abantiades atripalpis


Abantiades atripalpis, also known as bardee grub, rain moth or waikerie', and previously known as Trictena atripalpis'', is a moth of the family Hepialidae. It is found in the whole southern half of Australia.

Habitat

The rain moth is found right across southern Australia in woodland areas alongside creeks and gullies, especially near eucalyptus trees.

Larvae

The caterpillar is used by fishermen as bait.
The larvae live in tunnels, feeding on Casuarina pauper and Eucalyptus species, especially Eucalyptus camaldulensis. They are herbivores.

Moth

The wingspan is up to for males and for females. They can be the same size as a small insectivorous bat, and owls often prey on them. The body reaches a length of 120 mm.
The adult females produce a great number of eggs, which are scattered while flying. Their flight months are in Autumn.