Cossidae
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Cossinae |
Cossidae (or Carpenter Moths) is a worldwide family of mostly large moths. It includes many species with large caterpillars and moths up to 17 cm in wingspan. Various authorities have included or excluded other families within this one, such as Dudgeoneidae, Metarbelidae, and Ratardidae, only the former of which is retained in the most recent classifications. The family includes the well known Carpenterworm. Many of the caterpillars have an unpleasant smell, hence a colloquial name Goat Moths. Most of the caterpillars are tree borers. The name "Witchetty (Wijuti) Grub" is most commonly applied to the caterpillar of Endoxyla leucomochla, one of the 87 cossid species in Australia.
The caterpillars of some species may take up to three years to mature, and pupate within their tunnels.
These moths sometimes have long narrow wings, like those of Hawk moths, and are mostly grey. Many are twig, bark, or leaf mimics.
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