Limnaecia chionospila (Cosmopterigid)

There are a number of Limnaecia species, named or unnamed, with three transverse white “bands” on the forewings.  The most often observed one is the largest,  L. chionospila with a wingspan over 2 cm and a white head with black thorax.  L. cirrhosema has much the same wing and body colouration but is much smaller, wingspan a little over 1 cm.  It is known mostly from southern Qld and is not likely to be found in the ACT.  L. cirrhozona could be mistaken as L. chionospila when worn, but it has a purely black head and thorax and the inner forewing band is yellow-orange rather than white.  The other commonly seen similar species is L. camptosema which is smaller than L. chionospila, wingspan around 1.5 cm, and has a white head with thorax light yellow, at least in the forward half when fresh and otherwise white.

Regional distribution

Limnaecia chionospila is listed in the following regions: