Concealer Moth Larval Case (Hemibela callista)

This is one of three hollowed-out twigs of varying calibre, about 10 mm long that were sticking out perpendicular to the eucalyptus leaf-blades. The leaf lamina around two of the tubes had holes where the larvae had been feeding.
These are shelters made to size by larvae of the concealer moth of the Hemibela species. The larvae cut pieces of twigs and hollow them out before using them as a shelter. They feed head down and when they no longer fit the tube, they seek out a thicker twig and make another home.

comments (5)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

This one baffles me, how does the twig stick to the leaf? Posted 9 years ago

Leuba Ridgway

Lion

The moth larva lives inside the tube, head down nearest the leaf surface. Although I don't know the exact method by which this one attaches itself to the leaf surface, judging by other case moths (where the larval form lives inside a silken case covered with small sticks or bits of leaf), I believe they temporarily seal the opening with a secretion which dries up holding the case in place. At this time, the larva withdraws its head inside the case/tube. When it needs to feed, it probably dissolves the dried up secretion and starts moving about, still staying within the stick tube. I will post information on this if I find any. I hope this has clarified it somewhat.. Posted 9 years ago, modified 9 years ago