The Giant Swift Moth

The subject of this 30 metre long mural is based on the towns name, showing the lifecycle of the Giant Swift (Rain (Waikerie) Moth. The name is said to come from the local Ngawait people’s word ‘Wei Kari’ meaning ‘many wings’. In reference to the moth but also the abundant bird life that thrives along the Murray river in the area.

The grubs (bardi) are considered a delicacy and great Murray Cod bait. They feed off the roots of eucalypts sometimes for years until the perfect conditions. Usually Autumn rains, where they shed their cocoon and emerge as giant moths, each with a unique wing pattern. They only live for 24 hrs with the sole aim to mate and if female lay eggs.