Acyphas chionitis White Tussock Moth
Acyphas chionitis is found in all states except for the Northern Territory. We have seen this moth from September to May. The female moths have a yellow brush on the tail.
Female moths
Male moths
The following pictures of a female A. chionitis are an enigma that puzzled several moth and parasite experts that we sent them to. There were many different ideas some of which contradicted each other.
A few suggested flies feeding on the protein packages emerging from the moth. However, more thought they were probably parasitic wasps, perhaps waiting for the female to lay her eggs. We have seen egg parasites attracted to female adult beetles perhaps for the same reason.
The bulbous protrusion at the end of the abdomen has been seen in other female moths we have photographed. It is apparently an ovipositor.
Larval foodplant
Acacia species