General Description

Large light brown moth with a round-cornered, dark brown patch on the forewings. Hindwings are dark with a yellow or orange patch at the base. Wingspan 14-16 cm.

Biology

Eggs are laid singly or in small groups on the leaves of the larval foodplants, Saw Banksia, Banksia serrata, or Coast Banksia, Banksia integrifolia. Sometimes caterpillars are discovered wandering near the trees looking for a place to pupate (become a pupa, or cocoon). This species is Australia's largest hawk moth.

Distribution

From southern Queensland to Victoria along the coastal fringe, extending as far westwards as Sale.

Habitat

Coastal Banksia woodlands.

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