Overview
The greyish mottled adults remind one of species of
Prays
(Yponomeutidae). Larvae of
Homadaula
myriospila
live in communal nest of webbed phyllodes of
Acacia
ligulata
and pupate in a dense, white cocoon amongst dead phyllodes and faecal pellets in the middle of the webbed mass. [Clarke 1943; Kyrki 1990; Moriuti 1963.]
Description
Small; head smooth, with lamellar scales; ocelli and chaetosemata absent; antennae scaled, filiform or bipectinate, scape sometimes flattened, usually with pecten; proboscis usually long, unscaled; maxillary palps small, 2-segmented; labial palps porrect, apical segment very short; epiphysis present; spurs 0-2-4; fore wing with chorda and usually distinct M in cell, anterior branch of M vestigial, R
3
to R
5
approximate at base or R
2
to R
4
stalked, R
5
to termen, CuP tubular distally, 1A + 2A with long fork; hind wing with M-stem present in cell, cross-veins very oblique, 2 anal veins, 1A + 2A broad at base; both male and female genitalia usually highly specialised. Larva with 3 L setae on one pinnaculum fused to prothoracic shield; crochets biordinal in complete circle; at first in communal web, later enlarged web or singly between webbed leaves. Pupa with maxillary palps, abdomen with anterior transverse row of dorsal spines on segments 3-8, or 4-8, a posterior row on 3-7 or 4-6, and sometimes a posterior row of short setae encircling the posterior edge of segments 4--7, without cremaster; in fusiform, silk cocoon in larval web or in crevice.
Distribution
The widespread genus
Homadaula
from S.A., W.A. and N.T. belongs to this family.