- Endoxyla leucomochla
Taxobox
image_caption =
regnum =Animal ia
phylum =Arthropoda
classis =Hexapoda
ordo =Lepidoptera
familia =Cossidae
genus = "Endoxyla "
species = "E. leucomochla"
binomial = "Endoxyla leucomochla"
binomial_authority = Turner, 1915"Endoxyla leucomochla" is a species of cossid moth endemic to
Australia . The larvae of the moth is commonly known as the "witchetty grub ", and was widely used asbushfood byIndigenous Australians . [ [http://www.ento.csiro.au/aicn/name_s/b_1510.htm Endoxyla leucomochla (Turner)] ,CSIRO .]The caterpillars of the species live in underground tunnels where they feed on the sap from the roots of the witchetty bush ("
Acacia kempeana ") and the small cooba ("Acacia ligulata "). The caterpillar grows to a length of about 7 cm, andpupa tes underground inside its tunnel.Herbison-Evans, Don & Stella Crossley: [http://www-staff.it.uts.edu.au/~don/larvae/coss/leuco.html Endoxyla leucomochla (Turner, 1915)] ,University of Technology, Sydney , 4 February 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2008.]The adult moth is large (it has a wingspan of about 16 cm), with a fine mottled grey pattern and rusty red base on its wings. The moth has degenerate mouthparts, and is unable to feed itself, relying solely on nourishment obtained during its larval phase.
References
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
