Abantiades labyrinthicus

Description

Abantiades labyrinthicus is a moth of the family Hepialidae. It is endemic to Australia, where it is found in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria. The wingspan is about 100 mm for males and 160 mm for females. The forewings are brown with two silver flashes. The larvae are subterranean and feed on the roots of various trees, possibly including Eucalyptus species. Abantiades is a genus of moths of the family Hepialidae. There are 14 described species, all found exclusively in Australia. The group includes some large species with a wingspan of up to 160 mm. The larvae feed on the roots of Eucalyptus and other trees. The Pindi moth (A. latipennis) is an abundant species of the eucalypt forests of Tasmania and, unlike many invertebrate species, appears to adapt well to the controversial forestry practice of clearfelling.