Aglossa caprealis (Hübner, [1809])
Small Tabby
 (one synonym : Tetralopha enthealis Hulst, 1886)
PYRALINAE,   PYRALIDAE,   PYRALOIDEA
 
Don Herbison-Evans
(donherbisonevans@yahoo.com)
and
Stella Crossley


(Photo: courtesy of Biological Research Unit, US Dept. Agriculture)

These Caterpillars are black with sparse hairs. They grow to a length of about 2 cms. They have been found feeding on :

  • egg masses of Gypsy Moth ( Lymantria dispar, LYMANTRIIDAE )
  • wine corks and barrels,
  • fungi, and
  • animal feed.


    (Photo: courtesy of Wendy Moore, Coburg, Victoria)

    The adult moths have brown forewings crossed by pale zigzag lines. The hindwings are grey, each with two dark submarginal arcs. The wingspan is about 2 cms.


    drawing by Jacob Hübner,
    Sammlung Europäischer Schmetterlinge, 1809, Plate 23, fig. 153,
    image courtesy of Biodiversity Heritage Library, digitized by Ernst Mayr Library, Harvard University.

    The species is synanthropic, and has been found worldwide, including :

  • Belgium,
  • Canada,
  • New Zealand,
  • UK,
  • USA,

    as well as in Australia in

  • Queensland,
  • New South Wales,
  • Australian Capital Territory,
  • Victoria, and
  • South Australia.

    Further reading :

    Jacob Hübner,
    Lepidopera 6, Pyralidae 1,
    Sammlung Europäischer Schmetterlinge,
    1809, Plate 23, fig. 153.

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    (updated 14 January 2011, 29 April 2024)