Blastobasis lignea Walsingham, 1894
(synonym: Blastobasis sarcophaga Meyrick, 1902)
Palm Moth
BLASTOBASIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

(updated 2 March 2008)

The caterpillars of this species have been found feeding on :

  • bird droppings,
  • catkins of Kauri Pine ( Agathis robusta, ARAUCARIACEAE ),
  • fruit of a Palm Tree ( ARECACEAE ),
  • fruit of Magenta Cherry ( Syzygium paniculatum, MYRTACEAE ), and
  • dead leaves of Gum Trees ( Eucalyptus species, MYRTACEAE ).

    The adult moths are brown with two dark stripes diagonally across each forewing.

    The species was introduced into Australia by accident from Europe. It is now found in :

  • Christmas Island,
  • England,
  • Holland,
  • Australia: Queensland and New South Wales.

    Further reading :

    Ian F.B. Common,
    Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, p. 251.

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