The other half

Walking back from the orchard I noticed what I thought was unusual dead leaf, on a vine among the banana plants but on closer look it was revealed as a moth.

With the distinctive patterns and shape of the wings I expected would make identification reasonably easy.

Checking the Australian Moth Family site, I thought it may be in the ANTHELIDAE family but the reference photos didn't have a match. However I did click on the Common Anthelid page that displayed a photo of a moth like one I posted in 2012, although it looked nothing like this moth.

2012 photo

. The difference was explained, today's moth is the female of the Common Anthelid Moth Anthela acuta  whilst the 2012 photo is of the male.

They are found in most states of Australia and the caterpillars feed on acacia species and grasses.

 

Sip on a guava

There are a number of fruit piercing moths and this one is partial to guavas although it must have been taking shelter from the rain on our verandah where it was found this morning.

It is a moth of the EREBIDAE family in the sub-family CALPINAE species Ophiusa disjungens  Australian Guava Moth. This can be confusing as there is another Australian Guava Moth Coscinsptycha improbana, that is a major pest in guava and feijoa orchards in Australia and New Zealand but due to its larva spoiling the fruit.

 As with a number of moths in the CALPINAE family the dull upper wings hide the colour and pattern on the lower wings.

The caterpillars feed on a number of plant species including Eucalyptus and the following if a photo previously posted in 2018.feeding on a peppercorn tree.

They are found in many countries in SE Asia and Queensland, Northern Territory and NSW in Australia.