Bogong Moth

A bogong moth will range in color from a very pale tan to black. They have a wingspan of about an inch or more, and like most moths, have four distinct wings.

On each of its wings there is a darker arrow shaped mark with a small spot in the middle of it.

The wings are lighter brown in the back of the insect.

Bobongs breed in the flatland areas of Australia but migrate immediately afterward to avoid the heat, into the high mountain country of the Australian Alps.

Bogong Moth

Strong winds can be a problem to the path of these moths and in some cases have led to bogong moth plagues inside the cities which are close to the migratory routes.

They return to their breeding grounds in early fall to mate and lay their eggs. This trip can be up to 2000 miles in length and sometimes as many as 20% of the moths die en route.

During Australia’s summer November to march the Bogong moth effectively hibernate in rock crevices or caves living off body fat reserves.

The Bogong moths provided a very numerous and rich source of food for some of the aborigines of the area.

They would be hunted or collected by the men as the moth lay at rest in the mountains.

The moths were made in various ways, cooked in sand and hot ashes to remove wings and legs or mashed and roasted into moth cakes.

Huge Bogong feasts took place with members of many separate tribes taking part in them.
Find out more about the Bogong Moth over at Wikipedia »