Moth rescue

Working on the pool this morning and noticed a moth floating and when I scooped out it was quite fine and not needing resuscitation.

It looked like a new species for me to add to the list of visitors to the property.Got the camera and took a couple of photos.

.

 It was resting on my camera strap which is 20mm wide, so it is a reasonable size moth and the very distinctive markings I thought would make identification reasonably easy. From the shape and size I thought it would be found in the Catocaline family and it didn't take long to ID it there as Dysgonia solomonensis (also known as Bastilla s)..

This species is found in Queensland and NSW as well as New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

In Australia the caterpillar has been seen feeding on a native plant Breynia oblongifolia and we have quite a few growing around the property.

 

.

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. 

Shining in the sun

Spangled Drongos are still around which is late in the season for them to be in our area but the days have been quite warm and insects are very plentiful.

They are residents in the tropical coastal areas and a bit further north than here but with climate change we may see them here year round.

 

A taste for Castor Oil

Found another moth on the verandah this morning and it didn't take long to identify it as the Castor Oil Looper Achaea janata, 

I had to disturb it to see if I could see the rear wings for any markings and there was just enough showing to confirm the ID.

The common name results from the caterpillars favourite food, the Castor Oil Plant although there are many more food plants that they have been found on.

When castor oil was in demand the caterpillars caused substantial damage in the plantations, however in Australia the castor oil plant is a recognised weed so the moth now maybe in favour 

They are widespread in Australia and also found in Indian and Pacific island countries as well as some SE Asian areas..