| Australian Grapevine Moth | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Noctuidae |
| Genus: | Phalaenoides |
| Species: | P. glycinae |
| Binomial name | |
| Phalaenoides glycinae Lewin, 1805 |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Australian Grapevine Moth (Phalaenoides glycinae) is a moth of the Noctuidae family. It is endemic to the south-eastern half of Australia, but is an invasive species in many parts of the world, including Canada and South Africa.
The wingspan is about 50 mm. [1]
The larvae mainly feed on Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Hibbertia obtusifolia, Amyema gaudichaudii, Epilobium ciliatum, Fuchsia and Oenothera species, but mainly Vitis vinifera, hence it is considered a pest.
The Indian Myna (Acridotheres tristis) was introduced into Australia in 1862 to deal with a number of insect pests including the Grapevine Moth. In this it was unsuccessful, and ironically the bird is now itself considered a pest in many parts of Australia.