Lepidoptera Diary: March 2009

Sunday, 22 March 2009

March Mothing

Here's a selection of moths that have come to the light during March.

More can be found at Moths of Great Western.

(Click images to enlarge)

OECOPHORIDAE : Oecophorinae
Garrha demotica

NOCTUIDAE: Amphipyrinae
Neumichtis nigerrima

TORTRICIDAE : Tortricinae
Meritastis pyrosemana

NOCTUIDAE : Amphipyrinae

Proteuxoa tortisigna

GEOMETRIDAE : Larentiinae

Chrysolarentia squamulata

NOCTUIDAE : Hadeninae

A richly coloured Dasygaster padockina

LIMACODIDAE

Doratifera casta caterpillars defoliating a young Eucalypt! 'Silver Princess' to be exact!!!

Lepidoptera

This site is a diary of sorts as an ongoing record of butterflies and moths found in my area of Victoria, Australia, but I will also include other insects.

I became interested in butterflies and moths in 2005.
In June last year, I decided to undertake a long-term lay study into populations, nectar and larvae host plants, specifically for butterflies but the odd moth is getting in on the act!

Unfortunately, I've noted a decline in butterfly populations in and around my garden over the past two years.

In 2005, common species such as the Australian Painted Lady (Vanessa kershawi) and the Caper White (Belenois java) were in large numbers.

I noticed a decline in butterfly numbers in 2006.

In 2007, they were well down. The Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) may still be recorded as common, but numbers are well down for that butterfly, too.

The Common Grass-blue (Zizina labradus) is well-represented, but by no means prolific this season.

Lepidoptera Diary

Sunday, 22 March 2009

March Mothing

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