The male bag-moth has a long, telescopic abdomen enabling him to mate with the female within her case. The female attracts him using long-ranged pheromones.
Family
Psychidae
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Manuka, titoki, macrocarpa, Spanish heath, etc.
Egg
Eggs laid within larval case.
Larva
Tough, conical, grey silken case up to 8cm, sometimes with bits of host plant attached.
Pupa
Pupates within larval case.
Adult/Imago
Female: maggot-like, wingless, never emerges from larval case. Male: long telescopic abdomen for mating. August-December.
Forewing Length
13 - 17mm
Range
NZ
Habitat
Native forest, parks, gardens, cities.
