bogong moth

noun

bo·​gong moth
ˈbōˌgȯŋ-,
-gäŋ-
variants or bugong moth
ˈbüˌ-
: an Australian noctuid moth (Agrotis infusa) that is made into a paste and eaten by the aborigines when the moths estivate in huge clusters in rocky mountains to which they migrate from the breeding grounds many miles away

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Ngarigu (Australian Aboriginal language formerly spoken from Canberra southwest to Omeo in Victoria) buguŋ

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Cite this Entry

“Bogong moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bogong%20moth. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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