The Bogong Moth Story

The Bogong Moth (Agrotis infusa) is brown with unique dark markings and a wingspan of about five centimeters. Bogong Moths are a common sight in Canberra during spring when the adult moths migrate from the breeding grounds on the plains, to the cooler mountain ranges such as in the Bimberi, Brindabella and Tidbinbilla to the south of Canberra, and NSW and Victorian Alps. The moths fly at night and hide in dark crevices during the day. Clustered together like roof tiles, they sleep through the summer in caves. Adult moths feed on nectar from flowers like Grevilleas and prepare for the summer by building fat reserves of up to 60 per cent of their bodyweight.

Below: Painting of Bogong Moths by Jimmy Williams
Bogong Moths were an important source of protein for Aboriginal people. Some say the moths were roasted in hot ashes to burn off the wings and legs, then mashed into a 'moth meat' which had a nutty walnut taste.

There is evidence of hunting for Bogong Moths in the Tinderry Ranges to the south of Canberra (Eyre 1845) and in the Brindabella Ranges behind Uriarra Homestead (Gale 1927).

Gale reports: ‘I was a caller at the home of Mrs John McDonald of Uriarra who said, "You know the big flat rock, out by the stables? Well, that is Uryarra, which means in local language - running to the feast”. 

Aboriginal tribes would gather at the foot of the mountain range. An advance party would hold a ceremony which included much noise making, shouting and activity using bullroarers, after which all the collected tribes would break up into smaller groups and ascend the mountains. 

 Life Cycle of the Bogong Moth

Above: Drawing of Bogong Moths by Jimmy Williams

Further Information

• Aboriginal Cultural Landscape, Sites and Artefacts
• Aboriginal Connections to Country