Crambid moths
Achyra affinitalis PYRAUSTINAE CRAMBIDAE
Family:- CRAMBIDAE
Sub Family:- PYRAUSTINAE
Genus:- Achyra
Species:- affinitalis
Family:- CRAMBIDAE
Sub Family:- PYRAUSTINAE
Genus:- Achyra
Species:- affinitalis
This moth is quite variable in colour, so some extra photos will help to show the range of the colour, (assuming all my IDs are correct), and the various wing positions at rest.
The larvae feed on Sunflowers, Lucern, Cotton, Sorghum and Saltbush ( Atriplex, CHENOPODIACEAE ). The saltbush is the most likely host here. We have quite a lot of it in the yard.
They apparently pupate in a silk lined burrow in the ground.
In this last photo is a very small moth in the left of the picture. I didn't see this moth when I took the photo and was quite surprise when I put it up on the computer. This is one of the pleasures of macro photography.
on the left on the right
Family:- OPOSTEGIDAE Family:- CRAMBIDAE
Sub Family:- PYRAUSTINAE
Genus:- Achyra
Species:- affinitalis
I have not managed a positive identification for it yet, but if you look at the base of the antenae, you will see that there are a couple of ridges of erect scales over where the eyes are.
The super family Nepticuloidae, contains two families that have the eyecaps, Nepticulidae and Opostegidae. Only two other families have the eye caps but in those families the caps are smaller. On looking through lots of photographs of all these families, I believe the family of this moth will be OPOSTEGIDAE. If anyone can identify this moth I would appreciate it if you could let me know.
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