Northern old lady moth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern old lady moth |
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| Male specimen | |
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Dasypodia
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D. cymatodes
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| Dasypodia cymatodes Guenée, 1852
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The Northern Old Lady Moth (or Northern Wattle Moth), known scientifically as Dasypodia cymatodes, is a fascinating type of moth. It belongs to a large family of moths called Noctuidae. This moth was first officially described in 1852 by a scientist named Achille Guenée.
You can find the Northern Old Lady Moth in Australia, especially in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It has also made its way to New Zealand on its own!
What Does the Northern Old Lady Moth Look Like?
This moth is quite large! When its wings are spread out, they can measure about 80 millimeters across. That's about the length of a standard pencil!
Where Do Northern Old Lady Moths Live?
These moths are native to the eastern parts of Australia. They live in states like Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. Over time, they have also naturally spread to New Zealand. This shows how some insects can travel and settle in new places.
What Do Northern Old Lady Moths Eat?
The young moths, which are called larvae (or caterpillars), have a special diet. They love to munch on plants from the Acacia family. Acacia trees are also known as wattle trees in Australia. This is why the moth is sometimes called the "Northern Wattle Moth."
