Orthaga thyrisalis

Teatree Web Moth at Franklin, ACT

Orthaga thyrisalis at Franklin, ACT - 28 Jan 2024
Orthaga thyrisalis at Franklin, ACT - 28 Jan 2024
Orthaga thyrisalis at Franklin, ACT - 28 Jan 2024
Orthaga thyrisalis at Franklin, ACT - 28 Jan 2024
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Identification history

Orthaga thyrisalis 7 Mar 2024 donhe
Epipaschiinae (subfamily) 28 Jan 2024 donhe
Orthaga thyrisalis 28 Jan 2024 chriselidie
Psychidae (family) IMMATURE 28 Jan 2024 MichaelMulvaney
Unidentified 28 Jan 2024 chriselidie

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User's notes

This is the second year I see an extensive spider web like structure on this plant (have previously seen something similar on a young swamp paperbark tree). Opened one small webbing clump (consists of threads and what looks like caterpillar droppings) and two of the shown caterpillars came out. When disturbed they squiggle about and walk backwards. These are there during summer but disappear during winter.

3 comments

chriselidie wrote:
   28 Jan 2024
Not sure this is a case moth, don't they just build cases around themselves? These appear to spin nests where several live together. Just read about something called a tea tree webbing moth - Orthaga thyrisalis. Wondering if it could it be that?
donhe wrote:
   28 Jan 2024
Several Epipaschinae species look like this living a web full of frass.
chriselidie wrote:
   29 Jan 2024
Yes, I can see there are quite a few of these... I've just seen the caterpillars so far, so hard to tell which one it could be. I've taken some of them in, will see if any manage to get to the adult stage.

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Location information

Sighting information

Additional information

  • Not sure what the name is, native plant with white tea tree like flowers Associated plant
  • None Associated Insect
  • 12mm to 25mm Animal size
  • Unknown Gender
  • Larvae Breeding behaviour
  • Alive / healthy Animal health

Species information

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  • Verified by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
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