Sydney Under Attack

10th Oct 07 - Sydney is being invaded by a myriad migrating moths. They're swamping the city and jamming up air-conditioning units and lifts as they crawl and wriggle into crevices for their daytime snooze.

Strong winds have pushed millions of bogong moths off their usual spring migration course towards the coast where they've been attracted to the bright lights of the big city.

In particular, and with exceptional taste, the moths have been particularly drawn to the blueish quality of fluorescent lights in Sydney plushest buildings. Making the most of their once-in-a-lifetime trip to the big city, the bogongs have descended on the fanciest of buildings, including Prime Minister John Howard's offices.

Bogong moths have invaded Sydney

Sydney's inhabitants have had to grin and bear the invasion for the last week or so; resident Mike Milnes told us, "I can tell you that, quite frankly, it's somewhat scary. [Our residential authority] has employed one guy with a portable vac to take them on - the poor guy doesn't stand a chance. The worst thing about it is you don't know where they'll turn up - in your coffee, in an important file, down the back of your computer - anywhere."

However, the besieged Aussies could have been turning the situation to their advantage. Bogongs used to be a prized source of protein for aboriginal Australians. The Ngan-Girra Festival, held every November in Victoria, has its roots in the aborigines' annual mass bogong-munching event.

Anyone unsure about simply frying up a few moths and chowing them down could try Vic Cherikoff's Bogong Moth Damper instead:

Bogong Moth Damper Recipe

Ingredients

A generous handful of moths
1 cup plain flour
1 cup self-raising flour
1 cup powdered milk
1/4 teaspoon raising agent
Water

Method

Using a mortar and pestle (or near equivalent) pound up the moths with the powdered milk. Mix in the remaining dry ingredients. Add sufficient water to make a stiff dough and shape into a ball.

Flatten the ball to a height of 2.5 centimetres, lightly flour the surface and cook in ash, camp oven, or domestic oven until cooked through. Serve hot.

Source

On the other hand everyone could just sit tight for another week or so and wait for the moths to pass on through.

More animal madness form the Null:

- Weird - California braced for moth love terror
- Cool - Top ten animal mysteries
- Bizarre - Locusts made to watch Star Wars
- Scary - Bats leave moths and eat birds

Image: Jacqueline Yong/Rick O'Banion

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