A flash of yellow as a moth I disturbed in the garden flew past but I noted where it dived to the ground and found it in a small hollow between some rocks.
It was still there when I came back with the camera and was able to get a couple of photos.
It flew off very quickly when I tried to move it for a different perspective so only this for Id purposes.
It took a bit of searching and only the markings on the wings provided the identity as the colouring in resource photos were very different. It is from the NOCTUIDAE family , sub family CALPINAE species Ophiusa tirhoca, Common name, Green Drab.
As you can see this one is quite yellow (wingspan about 5cm) where as the photos were of green through to brown colouring.
The species can be found over many parts of the world from Europe, Africa and Asia as well as most northern areas of Australian States.
Quite a varied plant diet for the caterpillars but known to feed on Eucalyptus.
What a lovely moth - it doesn't live up to the Drab name! So interesting to see the species you find in Australia.
ReplyDeleteI was very lucky to find this one and track down the Id. After looking at the information on how widespread their range I thought it might be one that is sometimes found in the UK as they Spain and France are both listed as part of the range in "Moths and Butterflies of Europe.
ReplyDelete