Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre

(Opened by the Duke of Edinburgh on 27/3/2000)

Agrotis infusa (Boisduval)

Each spring, millions of Bogong moths migrate from the black soil plains of north western NSW and southern Queensland to aestivate in caves in the Australian Alps. Sometimes the wind blows them off course and one year Sydney was innundated by a Bogong Plague: they were everywhere! Including on high class menus. Aboriginal people have always collected the moths and roasted them in hot coals which separates the wings and legs from the bodies. The moth meat is highly nutritious with a nutty, walnut-like flavour.

They are also big moths growing to about 5cm. A Bogong was blamed for embarrassing Yvonne Kenny while she was singing the Olympic Hymn in the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games because it landed for a while on her chest. But, according to the experts, the Bogong moth was unjustly accused because it was actually a Hawk moth that was attracted to the bright lights! The Bogongs were innocent bystanders.