Moths of Toowoomba

Graphic moths

Spilosoma canescens ARCTIINAE ARCTIIDAE

Some moths are colourful while others are camouflaged and many are dull grey and brown. There are also many moths that have strong graphic designs on their wings, sometimes, as is the case with Spilosoma canescens, they can have strong colours on rear wings and bodies. In this case the legs and the top side of the abdomen are bright red and some red around the neck and head. They have been found feeding on numerous common plants. Further details from Australian moth site listed in the right hand side of this blog.

Family:- ARCTIIDAE
Sub Family:- ARCTIINAE
Genus:- Spilosoma
Species:- canescens











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Thalatha guttalis ACRONICTINAE NOCTUIDAE

 

Family:- NOCTUIDAE
Sub Family:- ACRONICTINAE
Genus:- Thalatha
Species:- guttalis










Thalatha guttalis is very common around our area. I have not been able to find what the larval food plant is.

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Thalatha melanophrica ACRONICTINAE NOCTUIDAE

 

Family:- NOCTUIDAE
Sub Family:- ACRONICTINAE
Genus:- Thalatha
Species:- melanophrica











This moth doesn't have such a strong graphic in the photo but the green colouring doesn't tend to show up until it is photographed, so visually, seems to be more black and white to the naked eye. Once again it is probably due to the reflective qualities of the scales as I have covered in previous articles.

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