The Australian bagmoth (Cebysa leucotelus) or lichen bag moth is a moth of the Psychidae family. It is found in New Zealand and the southern half of Australia (Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia).

Cebysa leucotelus
Female
Male
Scientific classification
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C. leucotelus
Binomial name
Cebysa leucotelus
(Walker, 1854)
Synonyms
  • Pitane dilecta Walker, 1854
  • Sezeris conflictella Walker, 1863
  • Oecinea scotti Scott, 1864
  • Cebysa leucoteles Meyrick, 1912
Larva in case
Female lichen bag moth, with underdeveloped wings.

The larvae build a protective bag like the other bag moths in the family Psychidae, and feed on lichen and algae.[1]

Lichen bag moths arrived in New Zealand from Australia in 1981 and have been gradually spreading across the country.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b Crowe, Andrew (2002). Which New Zealand Insect?. Auckland: Penguin. p. 33. ISBN 0-14-100636-6.
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