August 2009 Mothing

Well, it might have something to do with the weather but moths are definitely on the wing this month. I think I heard a report that Victoria has had it's warmest August since records began or for a very long time. It's one or the other!


No. 1 is Uresiphita ornithopteralis. The common name is Tree Lucerne Moth but I am yet to find my Tagasaste trees showing any indication of caterpillar invasion since I began looking for this moth 12 months ago! I will inspect my neighbour's Broom plant shortly. Broom is another host plant, apparently.
CRAMBIDAE : Pyraustinae


No. 2 - Anachloris subochraria
GEOMETRIDAE : Larentiinae


No.3 Female specimen of Phrissogonus laticostata. Common name is Apple Looper.
I have observed No.2 and No. 3 flying about the same time previously.
GEOMETRIDAE : Larentiinae


No. 4. Agrotis munda showing white hindwing which apparently sets this moth apart from another very similar species, Agrotis radians. A. radians also has considerable white edging along the forewing veins and hingwing colour is buffish which darkens at the margin plus dark veining.
NOCTUIDAE : Noctuinae

July 2009 Mothing

Precious little mothing activity here during the month of July, but here are two interesting ones that came to the porch light. Both were approximately 2cm in length.

(Click images to enlarge)

Not absolutely sure about the first one, but it may be Nisista species

GEOMETRIDAE : Ennominae

UPDATE: Nisista serrata (Thanks Marilyn)

I have no idea what this one is! It could be something in winter clothes!