Witchetty Grub
Scientific Name: Endoxyla leucomochla
Other Common Names: Witjuti, Witchedy, Wichetty, Witchety, Witchjetti, Witchetty Grub, Bardy Grub, Bardi Grub
Species documented in 1915 by Turner.
Description
The Witchetty Grub is the larvae of the cossid moth (Endoxyla
leucomochla). The grub grows to about 7cm in size. It is a large cylindrical grub which is
predominantly white with a brown head.
Reproduction/Lifecycle
The adult moth has a wingspan of up to
16cms. Once a moth, it does not feed due to degenerate mouthparts. It uses the stored energy
from its life as a grub.
Habitat
Live up to 60cm below ground as a grub.
Diet
Wood feeding larvae,
feeds primarily on the sap from roots of the Witchetty Bush and Small Cooba.
Miscellaneous
The Witchetty Grub is a famous food of the Australian Aborigine, it could
be eaten cooked or uncooked.
Previously known as Xyleutes leucomochla.
Found in:
NSW,NT,QLD,SA,TAS,VIC,WA,
References/Bibliography:
Herbison-Evans,
Don. 11 Dec 2005. Endoxyla leucomochla. Available from: <http://www-
staff.it.uts.edu.au/~don/larvae/coss/leuco.html> [Accessed 19th January 2007]
2006. Witchetty Grub, University of Sydney. Available from:
<http://bugs.bio.usyd.edu.au/Entomology/importance/imagePages/wijuti_grub.html> [Accessed
19th January 2007]
