Lepidoptera Diary

The Variability of Fraus simulans

2010-05-03T12:54:00.007+10:00

The more I become involved in the study of Australia's moths, the more fascinated I become.

Variability between species, such as the Geometrid, Ciampa arietaria has caused some confusion to this little moth-er in the past! This one's a doozy for playing with your head until you learn the giveaway characteristics of Ciampa arietaria.

Size within the same species has been fascinating too. Some caterpillars are better feeders than others, apparently!

Now we come to the complex world of the Hepialid.

I was recently asked to take Hepialid specimens for identification purposes. Of the 10 Fraus specimens I provided, I thought/hoped at least a couple would not be Fraus simulans!

The jury is back and bang goes the gavel. They were all Fraus simulans!

(Click images to enlarge)

Well, that's it for the variability of Fraus simulans - now for something completely different.

This is Fraus polyspila. Yay - a different Fraus species at last! :-)

More On Mothing

2010-04-07T08:28:00.006+10:00

The sheet has been the recipient of considerable activity over the past couple of weeks, mostly Crambids, Pyralids and several Noctuids I am unable to identify! They have been placed in my perennial pending file.

I had a bit of a reprieve last night but for a number of Hepialids coming to the porch light as we were receiving 23.5mm of rain.

This interesting little moth came into the porch last night. It is a species best known to the northwest of Victoria.

(Click to enlarge images)

Nolidae : Eariadinae
Earias huegeliana

This was a new moth for me also.
Crambidae : Pyraustinae
Antigastra catalaunalis

This is an old friend, Crypsiphona ocultaria.
It was perched on my sitting room window the
other morning in its splendour and I couldn't
resist taking the photo!
Geometridae : Geometrinae

Out-take: This shot illustrates the fun
us moth-ers have from time to time.
There's always somebody around to ruin
a good shot!

Oh and this female Dark Night Mole Cricket
caught my attention on Monday night. Isn't it cute? :-)
Maybe she knew some decent rain was on its way.
Gryllotalpa monanka
Orthoptera : Gryllotalpidae

Catching Up With Mothing

2010-03-22T08:33:00.003+11:00

It's been a while since I've done any blogging.

I am just getting my feet back on solid ground after recently finding out one option to divert the highway round the local town would give me a 4-lane freeway frontage! Of course, if this option becomes a reality, there is no way I would be able to live with that!

At this point, I am hoping the 3 of 4 options which are close to me - and the most expensive, will fall off the agenda when the final decision as to the new freeway location is made in a few months time.

Anyway, back to mothing!

Yesterday, my neighbour said as he was leaving "what's this one?'
The Anthelid was sitting on my path in broad daylight in almost the same position as the Golden Sun Moth I photographed last November.

(Click images to enlarge)

A very nice male.
Anthela denticulata
Anthelidae

This is Araeopaschia species ovipositing on a wall.
Pyralidae: Epipaschiinae

This was a new moth for me.
Aglaopus species.
Thyrididae : Striglininae

Now that I have stopped hyperventilating for a bit over the freeway options likely to directly or indirectly impact upon my quiet enjoyment of this rural setting, which has been my home for 29 years, I might be able to keep this blog updated! :-)

A Political Post (Apologies)

2010-01-26T15:13:00.010+11:00

I am posting this because I am so concerned as to the full ramifications of a Mandatory Internet Filter and how it could be abused by this government and, indeed, future governments. This filter is not about 'protecting the children'. It's about a government censoring the people. If the legislation becomes Law, Australia will be joining countries such as China and Iran and with that prospect in mind, I am deeply ashamed.

I am perfectly capable of deciding what I read, view on TV and what pages I visit on the internet. I do NOT appreciate a Nanny Government making these decisions for me.

Today, Australia Day, many Australian websites have been blacked out in protest to the proposal of a Mandatory Internet Filter for Australians. I am not technically capable of inserting the code to black this blog out, so this is the next best step.

Information about Internet censorship

Hi,

Please take 5 minutes to read this message as it's extremely important for your continued access to an uncensored and functional internet, and to help protect children on the internet.

------- BACKGROUND -------
The Rudd Government is currently planning to introduce a mandatory Internet filtering law from some time in 2010. Your ISP (the company you get your internet access from) will be asked to censor between 1000 and 10,000 websites deemed to be "Refused Classification" (aka "RC", many; if not most of these sites are NOT illegal).
They are marketing this as "protecting the children" by reducing access to Child Pornography, something which I am all for doing, but unfortunately, this is a very ineffective means of doing so, with far more drawbacks than benefits.
It is important to remember that this is the same government that’s REDUCING the budget of the Federal Police unit whose job it is to catch the paedophiles this filter will effectively help to protect.

I respect that you may think this a good idea. I for one completely support any measure which will yield any improvement to child safety. However, this proposal is being done in a way similar to many "political" things — it is being sold by the politicians as far more effective than the experts believe it will be, and has the added possibility that in a few years, it will censor far more than just websites of "refused classification".

------- WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL COST? -------
As it currently stands, this filter will cost the Australian public around $43 million. This amount however is only the tip of the iceberg. It does not include the costs to your ISP — costs that they will almost certainly have to pass on to you. Similarly, it does not include the ongoing, and potentially massive, task of maintaining the filter list, which is absolutely vital if there is to be even the slightest chance of the filter actually doing anything productive. These costs, both to the government and passed on to you by your ISP are quite likely to be greater than that of far more effective PC based systems which can be easily purchased and installed and be tailored to your individual family's needs.
However cost is far from the only argument against the proposed filter.

------- WILL IT ACTUALLY PROTECT CHILDREN? -------
There is the illusion of increased safety of children, and their protection from on-line threats and predators, and the issue of uncensored access to the internet.

The main message here is that if this filter ever becomes a reality, do not presume that it will make children safer and DO NOT use it as an excuse to reduce supervision of children whilst they use the Internet. If you believe children are going to be safer because of the filter, then read on and I will explain why that is an illusion.

Here are 10 things you should ask yourself (and the Government) about the filter so that you are more informed:

------- 1) People don't just "stumble" across child porn online or search Google for it. -------
Child porn is already filtered out of search results by all search engines.
So how do people access it?
- Peer-2-Peer networks (High speed sharing of large files like videos)
- Usenet (Direct File sharing)
- Sharing the web page addresses directly
- Encrypted websites (Where their privacy is secured, like your online banking, paypal, etc.)

------- 2) How do paedophiles find children online to perform these disgusting acts on/with? -------
- Social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace
- Chat Rooms
- Instant messaging programs like MSN and Yahoo
- Email

------- 3) What does the ISP filter block? -------
A specific, secret list of website addresses only.
This list includes a number of perfectly legal sites deemed politically "unsavoury", such as euthanasia and anti-abortion websites as well as perfectly harmless websites that were hacked a long time ago, and have been fixed.
This list includes any and all content which the regulatory body deems as "Refused Classification", including any perfectly legal site which does not meet the strict definitions for classification under one of the existing (G, PG, M, MA, R, X, etc) ratings.

If a site hasn't been reported for classification (so as it can be refused that classification), it will not be blocked.
Nobody of good concience is ever likely to find the paedophiles (already secret) websites, so who exactly does the government believe will be reporting these sites? If nobody who knows about them will report them, they will never be blocked.

------- 4) What doesn't the ISP filter block? -------
- "R" Rated pornographic and adult material
- "X" Rated pornographic and adult material
- (As above) Any website containing any content which has not been specifically reported to the authorities and then subsequently refused classification
- Instant messaging
- Facebook and Myspace
- Email
- Peer-2-Peer
- Usenet
- Chat Rooms
- Encrypted Websites

------- 5) Can the filter be worked around to still access child porn? -------
YES, undoubtedly, and easily. You can bet the same people who share their filthy habit of child porn and website addresses will also share the very simple methods for bypassing the filter, which not only makes the filter pointless, but also makes it harder for Police to catch them. ie the Government filter will NOT make your child safer.

------- 6) How easy is the filter to evade? -------
It is extremely easy for any person with the inclination to do so, and access to Google.
a) Both an independent trial by Telstra and the official Government trial report that every single option tested was easy to bypass.
b) The best success rate (at preventing a filter being bypassed) allowed 10% of known bypassing methods to work. It also caused the greatest slow-down (Greater than a 40% reduction in speed).
c) Children already know how to bypass similar filters installed at their schools (http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1567015/school-net-security-failing-grade)

------- 7) Does the Government plan to make evading the filter harder? -------
Under the current proposal, no.
a) There will be no penalties for evading the filter and no plans are in place to make it harder to evade.
b) Proxies, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), Encryption, and Tunneling programs (all simple ways of evading the filter) will not be blocked by the filter.

------- 8) Are there any technical drawbacks to the filter? -------
Yes, it is likely to cause slowdowns on the internet for everybody.
a) If you're on dialup, you probably will not notice any difference.
b) If you have fast internet, (EG. ADSL, up to 8Mbps) your internet is likely to be slowed up to 10%
c) If you have VERY fast internet (EG. ADSL2+ or Cable, 8-24 and 30, and 100 Mbps are all currently available in Australia) your internet is likely to be slowed significantly more, but no one knows for sure as The Government has failed to test the filters at these speeds.
d) This type of filtering does not "scale" well. As more people use faster internet, so too the effect on the speed of that internet will be worse. The proposed National Broadband Network (NBN) will be 100Mbps and is designed to give almost everyone access to these speeds. The government has done no testing of any kind on any network with even one tenth of that speed, or even one percent of the likely number of connections.
e) There will also likely be some increases to ping times. This will increase online gaming lag (for games such as World of Warcraft and others) as well as make VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol, aka Internet Telephones) less effective, decreasing the quality of the cals)

------- 9) What if I can't access a perfectly safe website? -------
Unfortunately, even the best filter could accidentally block upwards of 3 million websites in its attempts to block less than 1000 child porn websites that's 300,000% of what they are meant to be blocking.

------- 10) What if my website gets blocked? How would I know, and how do I fix that? -------
The government board, ACMA decides what is blocked based on complaints and maintains a secret blacklist (which has already been leaked online once already). Unfortunately there is no process for informing people that their website is blocked, or how to appeal that decision. There is also no evidence that anyone is, or will be held responsible for any loss of business you may encounter if your website is wrongly blocked by the system.

If you, like me, find that any of this is unacceptable, please visit http://www.nocleanfeed.com and make your voice heard by contacting your local and federal members of parliament and putting your vote on the line, and please consider throwing an Australia day party ( http://www.EFA.org.au ), blacking out your twitter/FB profile pic or website ( http://www.internetblackout.com.au/ ) or attend the nationwide protest in your capital city on the 30th of Jan ( http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=200213317223&ref=mf )

------- WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MY CHILDREN NOW? -------
If you are concerned about protecting your children online, there are many easy ways to do this from home, where you can control what level of protection you offer. First and foremost, supervise your children whilst online and teach them about the internet and its dangers just like you would teach them how to cross a road. Nothing can or should replace good supervision and education. Websites like Facebook have 13+ age requirements for a reason. Please feel free to visit this website for more information: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/parents/childsafety/age.aspx
Just like crossing the road, the internet can be a safe place, if young children are supervised and assisted, and older children have been taught the safe way to proceed.

I hate chain mail as much as the next person, but this is kind of different. It's not regarding an issue that's no longer relevant, I'm not asking you to sign anything, and I'm not saying your true love's name will be revealed only if you send this on to 20 people, so please forward this email on to anyone in your contact list you think would read this (or even if you think they won't).

The government is determined to hide the truth about their filter with misleading press releases, and using the ETS and NBN as media cover.

For a summary of key trial reports and media stories on the ISP filter, see here http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/?tag=cleanfeed

Most importantly, please TALK about this issue with your friends and family. Those who are technically minded and the non-technical alike need to make this a matter of public knowledge. Without doing that, messages like this can be forwarded all we like and nothing will change.

Thankyou for taking the time to read this message.

_______________________________________________

Addendum: No matter what I do, Blogger will NOT allow me to reduce the font size of my opening paragraph. Please do not think I am shouting! I am very concerned about this legislation but I am certainly not shouting.

Thanks again, Blogger!

January Mothing (Sort of !!)

2010-01-13T15:19:00.002+11:00

Spot the non entomological species! :-)

Life has been pretty sad for this Moth-er of late. The weather has been obnoxious! Cold and wind. More cold and wind then thrust into extreme heat of over 42deg C. Thankfully, we've had a cool change so there's now more cold and wind!

Only a couple of nights so far this month have been suitable for putting the sheet up and they were pretty disasterous as the swarms of gnats made going anywhere near the sheet a bit of a nightmare. The moths also don't enjoy being constantly bombed by gnats. I have a couple of moth entries for January which are still awaiting correct identification.

Anyway, here are some "insects" that have come to the light so far this month!

A nice Katydid, showing some blueish markings. I think it's probably the Common Garden Katydid, Caedicia simplex.
TETTIGONIIDAE : Phaneropterinae

My first halfway decent Dragonfly shot! I'm no Odonata expert but I think this large Dragonfly might be the Australian Emporer, Hemianax papuensis.
Aeshnidae

My Marbled Gecko was back in it's usual spot on the kitchen window screen. I was delighted to see it again because I was a bit suspicious my sighting in March last year might have been a once-off.

December Mothing - 1

2009-12-20T14:53:00.005+11:00

Weather has been a bit temperamental during December, with a lot of wind and cold nights. No point putting the sheet out in those conditions! Here are a few caught during a couple of warm, still nights.

(Click images to enlarge)

A Plume Moth, Stangeia xerodes
PTEROPHORIDAE

Possibly Thrincophora signigerana
TORTRICIDAE : Tortricinae

This one was taken inside. Apologies for lack of quality of image but that's what happens when short people stand on stools trying to photograph moths on the ceiling!! :-)

Unfortunately, the moth expired before I could catch it to take outside.

Pyralid of some kind, maybe?

Here's an unidentified Noctuid.

If anyone knows what these two are, please let me know.

November Mothing - 6

2009-11-29T11:48:00.005+11:00

Well, what a week this past one has been! While Canberra went into meltdown, I was finding a moth listed as critically endangered in Australia!

This is the Golden Sun Moth, Synemon plana. Victoria seems to be the last stronghold for this diurnal species and is listed as a threatened taxon.
The moth is quite complex. The males usually have a range of not much more than 100 metres which they patrol on very still, warm days searching for females who are generally non-fliers. The females deposit themselves on the host plant, Wallaby grass (Austrodanthonia species) flashing their orange hindwing to attract the male. The moth has limited mouthparts and unable to feed or drink so their lifespan is limited to about a week.

I caught this moth doing a bit of circle-work on a footpath leading to the back door. It may have got caught up in a long wire cage I made to protect seedlings from bird attack which is currently on a wall to deter my cats from getting onto the roof whilst the Pardalotes are raising their brood. If this was the reason for the circling behaviour, it could be due to the moth being a bit disorientated. When I put it on a leaf of a large shrub, it immediately flew off.

More on the status of this moth here.

Click to enlarge images)

Synemon plana
CASTNIIDAE

An old favourite a bit worse for wear - probably due to a microbat or something!

I found Oenochroma vinaria caterpillars in a young Hakea, trying to hide from the rain, yesterday.

Oenochroma vinaria
GEOMETRIDAE : Oenochrominae

November Mothing - 5

2009-11-21T08:57:00.003+11:00

New species (for me) are continuing to present themselves this month. Here are a few of them.
(Click images to enlarge)

Two new species of Idaea and I was lucky enough to have help with the identifications.
The top one is the striking Idaea pseliota.

This one is Idaea philocosma
Geometridae : Sterrhinae

Another Tiger/Footman.
This one is Termessa gratiosa.
Arctiidae : Lithosiinae

Gastrina cristaria
Geometridae : Ennominae

This, I think is Persectania ewingii.
If you enlarge this photo, the scales resemble feathers on this particular moth. Probably a really fresh model! :-)
Noctuidae : Hadeninae.

We are in for some cooler weather and rain, hopefully, so mothing may be put on the back burner for a few days.

November Mothing - 4

2009-11-17T15:49:00.006+11:00

High temperatures (30s+) last week brough some new moths (for me) plus a few of the usual suspects.

Here are some of them.

(Click images to enlarge)

This is a new moth for me.
Sandava xylistis
Noctuidae : Hypeninae

This is a small moth less that 1cm in length.
Eublemma rivula
Noctuidae : Acontiinae

I think this is Chloroclystis filata. It had a wingspan of about 2cm.
Geometridae : Larentiinae

This one has proved difficult to identify absolutely.

In Janurary this year, I photographed Sterictopsis argyraspis but this one seems to have much darker zig-zag lines across the upper wing. If anyone can correctly identify it, I would be pleased.

Sterictopsis species

Geometridae : Geometrinae

Nacoleia rhoeoalis

Crambidae : Pyraustinae

(Boarmia) suasaria

Geometridae : Ennominae

I knew I was psychic! I just knew my Hypobapta percomptaria would be darker than Mosura's !! :-)

Geometridae : Geometrinae

Edit: This moth might be Hypobapta diffundens - not H. percomptaria.

November Mothing - 3

2009-11-13T16:13:00.009+11:00

With temperatures in the 30's+ during this week and a couple of reasonably still nights, mothing has been productive. Here are a few from early in the week.

(Click images to enlarge)

NOCTUIDAE : Heliothinae
Helicoverpa punctigera

GEOMETRIDAE : Ennominae
Dysbatus singularis

GEOMETRIDAE : Geometrinae
Hypobapta diffundens

GEOMETRIDAE : Ennominae

Cryphaea xylina

UPDATE: I've received advice this moth might be Mimaglossa species.

Pyralidae: Epipaschiinae

CRAMBIDAE : Pyraustinae

Achyra affinitalis (light and dark forms)

A lovely chestnut form of Uresphita ornithropteralis

CRAMBIDAE : Pyraustinae

I'm pretty sure this is Eochrois callianessa.

There is a tinge of yellow on this moth where it should be.

OECOPHORIDAE : Oecophorinae

This one is unidentified. If anyone knows what it is, I'd be very pleased to know. About 1.5cm in length.

Also, if I have made an error with other identifications, please let me know.

November Mothing - 2

2009-11-09T07:42:00.009+11:00

Ten moths of interest attended the sheet on a balmy Saturday night. Six of those, a specific identification might not be possible because of insufficient research information on the Internet.

A number of Horehound Plume Moths (Wheeleria spilodactylus) were around as well.
(Click images to enlarge)

This is my first encounter with Opodiphthera eucalypti. This one is a male.

A bit weather-beaten, unfortunately.

Underwing shot.

SATURNIIDAE

Another Tiger/Footman. This one is Termessa sp. possibly T. zonophanes.

ARCTIIDAE : Lithosiinae

Here's a bit of a look at the hindwing and abdomen. This moth was roaring all over the sheet and took some time before it settled enough for a reasonable shot. I'm surprised this shot isn't one big blur!

This is a richly coloured example of Anachloris subochraria.

GEOMETRIDAE : Larentiinae

An Oecophorid. Probably Philobota species. There is a hint of a dark line along the costa but again, research information is sadly lacking to help with an accurate identification.

UPDATE: I've received advice this might be Philobota productella.

The others not appearing here were Geometrids. One was Idaea species, one Taxeotis, I suspect and three remain in the 'too hard file' ! :-)

November Mothing

2009-11-04T08:52:00.005+11:00

A nice start to the month with a new species for me in the form of a Tiger Moth/Footman (Arctiidae)

(Click images to enlarge)

In this image, there is just a hint of a red hindwing.

This is one of my favourites, the Hawk Moth. Hippotion scrofa. My first encounter with this moth in February last year was with a darker specimen. They are nectar eaters and I am wondering if this one has been at my Jasmine which is in full flower! It had not elected to sit on the camelia. I wanted to check the hindwing colour (in this species, it's usually red) while it was resting on a timber beam but it wasn't in the mood for such an examination!
SPHINGIDAE : Macroglossinae

I'm almost certain this is Halone ophiodes. It is my first sighting of this moth. We've had some quite hot days over the past week which probably brought these two species into action.
ARCTIIDAE : Lithosiinae

August 2009 Mothing

2009-08-28T15:05:00.003+10:00

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

2009-08-11T09:25:00.005+10:00

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!

A Weevil?

2009-07-02T13:02:00.003+10:00

For several weeks, I've noticed a squadron of these insects congregating under my porch light. I think they might be living under my woodbox, a recycled crate sitting on a couple of offcuts to keep it off the ground. By daylight, they have disappeared.

Body length would be about 8mm.

(Click to enlarge)

The closest I could come up with was a weevil thanks to Peter Chew's excellent site, Brisbane Insects.

Suggestions welcome, as usual.

June Moths

2009-06-18T08:34:00.007+10:00

Winter is here and the moths have been few and far between. Here are a few that have landed on the porch wall. I may be insane, but not insane enough to sit under the clothes line observing a sheet slowly absorbing moisture from the cold night air! :-) My sheet and light have been packed away until September or October, depending on weather conditions.

No.1 Oxycanus antipoda again
Hepialidae

No. 2. I suspect this might be Tortricopsis species.
It was approximately 1cm in length.
Oecophoridae : Oecophorinae

UPDATE: I've been checking this moth again and I think it could be a species of Tortricid as the palps are projected directly in front of the head rather than sickle-shaped and/or upturned as with some Oecophorids.

No. 3. Capusa species - propably Capusa senilis again.
Geometridae : Ennominae

No. 4. This moths flopped in front of me as I was stalking fungi.
It could either be Psilosticha mactaria or Philotis cognata. I am
leaning towards the former because of the scalloped hindwings, which
is characteristic of Psilosticha mactaria.
Geometridae: Ennominae

UPDATE (11/1/11) this moth is identified as Ectropis fractaria.

Oxycanus antipoda (Hepialidae)

2009-05-26T09:48:00.004+10:00

Well, I think this moth is Oxycanus antipoda!

Hepialids can be quite difficult to correctly identify without the beneift of years of experience and in some cases, a microscope! I was unable to be of much use to Denis when he called for identification assistance recently, but I guess that is part and parcel of the mothing game! We are learning together.

Back to Oxycanus antipoda. My moth was approximately 3.5cm in length. I photographed the same moth at the same time last year although we hadn't had rain for about 5 days. It rained yesterday, 47.5mm to be exact, but I have photographed Hepialids this year without a sniff of rain for a considerable time, so it appears rain is not necessarily the trigger for Hepialids to emerge from underground.

The common name for this moth is the Oxycanus Grub and the larvae feed on grasses.

More Hepialid photographs can be seen at Moths of Great Western.

(Click images to enlarge)

May Mothing

2009-05-20T13:36:00.008+10:00

May mothing began rather dismally with cooler nights, cold winds and a damp sheet by about 9pm! However, there have been a few productive sessions. Here is a collection from a couple of reasonably good nights.

Click images to enlarge

Precious little about this moth on the internet
but I am pretty sure it's Cycloprorodes melanoxysta
GEOMETRIDAE : Ennominae

Fisera perplexata
GEOMETRIDAE : Ennominae

Capusa sp. I think Capusa senilis.

I photographed a caterpillar identified as

Capusa senilis in September, 2007, so I know

this one is around.

GEOMETRIDAE : Ennominae

Zyganisus caliginosus (Australian Goat Moth)

COSSIDAE : Cossinae

I'm not 100% sure but I think these two might

be Achyra affinitalis

CRAMBIDAE : Pyraustinae

Some April Moths

2009-04-23T13:06:00.008+10:00

Plenty of mothing happened during most of April with the still and reasonably warm nights. All that might change if we receive the rain being 'promised'. We need it badly. To date, I have recorded just 1mm for the month.

Here are a few of the April moths.

More can be found at Moths of Great Western.

(Click images to enlarge)

ANTHELIDAE - Anthela denticulata

OENOSANDRIDAE - Oenosandra boisduvalii (Female)
Thanks Duncan! :-)

NOCTUIDAE : Hadeninae (Leucania) obumbrata
Thanks Marilyn :-)

This I believe is Fisera perplexata
GEOMETRIDAE : Ennominae

NOTODONTIDAE - Hylaeora dilucida (Female)
Thanks Wendy :-)

March Mothing

2009-03-22T12:11:00.013+11:00

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!!!

MOTHS OF GREAT WESTERN

2009-02-26T17:16:00.003+11:00

My new site "Moths of Great Western" is up and running.

I wanted to create a site where I could place identified species into their respective Family albums and as I am severely IT disadvantaged, building my own web page is out of the question at this stage! :-)

Ning was the best free host I could find. They also allow a large amount of bandwidth.

10 Family albums appear on the left-hand side of the main page under "Photos". Clicking on the album will open thumbnail photos. Clicking on a photo will enlarge it and show the subfamily and species at the top of the photo. Other albums may be accessed by either clicking "show all" at the bottom of the album section or clicking on "All Albums" or "My Albums".

There is a forum on the site, but you will have to join to talk to me or leave a comment on any of the photos. Communication there will be much easier than it is with blogger. No waiting for comment approval and depending who is around at the right time, real time discussions are a strong possibility.

http://mothsofgreatwestern.ning.com/

I will still keep this blog going, but entries may not be as frequent as they have been. On the other hand, my new site is being updated regularly, whilst the moths are co-operating!!

Hope to 'see' you there!

February Moths - 2

2009-02-19T10:46:00.014+11:00

Weather conditions have not been particularly favourable for any mothing since my last entry, because of the southerly winds. At least there has been a break in the stifling heat and up until this morning, a bit of an Autumn feel around the place. To be perfectly frank, I've not felt much like blogging. Victoria's devastating fire tragedy has given me more than myself to think about.

Here are a few from Tuesday night - the first with almost no breeze for a couple of weeks.

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1
Syringoseca rhodoxantha

OECOPHORIDAE : Oecophorinae

No. 2
A couple of shots showing detail of abdomen and hindwing
plus white marking under the eye of Spectrotrota fimbrialis (I think)

PYRALIDAE : Epipaschiinae

No. 3

This has to be a Tineid - Edosa sp. maybe, because of the way

it was racing all over the sheet, typical of Tineid behaviour when they land, apparently.

TINEIDAE

No. 4

Probably Stenoptilia zophodactylus (thanks, Donald)

This species of Plume Moth has a wingspan of around 1cm.

PTEROPHORIDAE

February Moths - 1

2009-02-07T07:04:00.014+11:00

Another appalling day coming up in Victoria. The entire state is on severe fire weather warning and a declared Total Fire Ban day. There is a bad fire in the Bunyip State Park in Gippsland and conditions today could give property owners in the vicinity major concerns.

Although I am miles away from Gippsland, perhaps it's prudent to post my latest 'finds' just in case, as my region is tinder dry and fire-prone! So far, we have been extremely lucky with no serious outbreaks.

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1
Culama australis
COSSIDAE

No.2

Lepidoscia sp

PSYCHIDAE

No. 3

Persectania sp (I think) possibly Persectania ewingii - Southern Armyworm.

NOCTUIDAE : Hadeninae

TO BE INVESTIGATED

No. 4

No. 5

UPDATE: This is possibly Phycitinae sp.

PYRALIDAE

No. 6

Last of the January 2009 Moths

2009-01-31T08:33:00.014+11:00

What a stinking week we've had in Victoria! Trains across Melbourne at a virtual standstill and massive power outages in the middle of one of the hottest weeks on record. Living far away from the city has its merits. although temperatures here were well above 40deg C, we had no power outages here.

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1 Endoxyla encalypti
COSSIDAE

No. 2 Araeopaschia sp
PYRALIDAE : Epipaschiinae

No. 3 Leucania diatrecta

NOCTUIDAE : Hadeninae

UNIDENTIFIED:

No. 4

Possibly GEOMETRIDAE : Ennominae (to be confirmed)

UPDATE: This is Sterictopsis argyraspis

GEOMETRIDAE : Geometrinae (Thanks for the tip, MH)

No. 5 I love this little moth. All of 1cm in length.

UPDATE: This might be Clania lewinii

PSYCHIDAE

Acknowledgements:

I would like to thank Marilyn, Wendy and Donald Hobern for their assistance with identifications.

Also, without excellent sites like Donald Hobern's and Mosura's, identification of many of the moths I have photographed would have been virtually impossible. Thank you, Donald and Mosura.

January Mothing - 6

2009-01-29T11:41:00.025+11:00

Hot! Who said it was hot! 39 deg. C in the shade at noon yesterday and again today!

A few moths photographed on 26th and 27th. I went to bed early last night but as Duncan mentioned, it's going to be too hot to sleep over the next few days and provided there is no wind here, I will probably be mothing again tonight!

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1. Iphierga euphragma

PSYCHIDAE

Unfortunately, this is a less than satisfactory image. The sheet began to billow as I tried to record this moth. It didn't hang around for a second attempt! :-)

No. 2 I think this might be Spectrotrota fimbrialis

PYRALIDAE : Epipaschiinae

No. 3 Southern Old Lady

Dasypodia selenophora

NOCTUIDAE : Catocalinae

No. 4 Wingia aurata

OECOPHORIDAE : Oecophorinae

No. 5 Hellula hydralis

CRAMBIDAE : Glaphyriinae

No. 6 Hypobapta sp (female and male, I think)

GEOMETRIDAE : Geometrinae

Although this moth looks very much like Hypobapta diffundens and I would have called it H. diffundens until I read that species has a wingspan of only 2cm. My larger moth had a static winspan of at least 5cm.

Enquiries pending! :-)

UPDATE: I have received advice that Hypobapta diffundens has a small wingspan (thanks Donald) although images I found of this species appeared to match my moth better than my first identification choice of Hypobapta percomptaria which is a much larger moth, so it's possible my moths are H. percomptaria.

No. 7

I think this has to be Clania ignobilis. I photographed the larval case of the Faggot Case Moth not so long ago.

PSYCHIDAE

Duncan described his "Psych" as demented! I will describe mine as maniacal! :-)

I have found almost no good images of this clearwing species of Case Moth so am not prepared to call the species. Help required! :-)

No. 8 UPDATE: Probably Mythimna convecta (Common Armyworm) (Thanks for the research MH)

NOCTUIDAE : Hadeninae

UNIDENTIFIED

No. 9 - a striking moth

UPDATE: This moth is likely to be Dysbatus sp.

GEOMETRIDAE : Ennominae (Thanks again MH)

No. 10

January Mothing - 5

2009-01-25T09:33:00.019+11:00

From Friday night's mothing session! :-)

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1

Paraterpna sp

GEOMETRIDAE : Geometrinae

*************************

I have been getting quite a few nice little Oecophorids, some really small. A couple of these photos could have been better. Unfortunately, a few of the subjects were not prepared to settle long enough for a decent photo shoot! :-)

No. 2

Ericibdela delotis

OECOPHORIDAE

No. 3

An Oecophorid, I think. (Subject to correction/identification)

No. 4

Psaroxantha calligenes

OECOPHORIDAE

No. 5

(Subject to confirmation, but this looks a bit like Chrysonoma sp)

OECOPHORIDAE

No. 6 Zonopetala decisana

OECOPHORIDAE : Oecophorinae

UNIDENTIFIED

No. 7

Might be in the Crambidae family!

UPDATE: This is actually Chloroclystis insigillata (thanks MH) :-)

GEOMETRIDAE: Larentiinae

Had I been a little more diligent when searching my own records, I would have discovered I photographed another member of the Larentiinae subfamily in December and picked up on the similarities! :-)

January Mothing - 4

2009-01-22T14:45:00.018+11:00

A few selections from a couple of recent mothing sessions - despite millions of very annoying small insects, including mosquitoes! :-)

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1

Identification of this Plume Moth is pending.

UPDATE: This is Stangeia xerodes. (Thank you, Donald.)

PTEROPHORIDAE

No. 2

This is possibly Thrincophora sp. It is similar to a moth I photographed last December that Donald Hobern helped with identification as Thrincophora signigerana.

TORTRICIDAE

No. 3

I suspect this is Placocosma resumptella
OECOPHORIDAE : Oecophorinae

No. 4

Probably Hellula hydralis

CRAMBIDAE : Glaphyriinae

No. 5

A more normal looking Dissomorphia australiaria compared to the pale orange looking example I photographed earlier in the month!

GEOMETRIDAE : Ennominae

No. 6

Maroga melanostigma (Fruit-tree Borer)

OECOPHORIDAE : Xyloryctinae

No. 7

I think this is probably the Case/Bag Moth Lomera boisduvalii
PSYCHIDAE

No. 8 Tanyzancia argutella
OCEOPHORIDAE : Oecophorinae

No. 9

A Noctuid, perhaps?

UPDATE: Probably Dasygaster padockina (thanks MH)
NOCTUIDAE: Hadeninae

(Grid - 1 square = 1cm)

January Mothing - 3

2009-01-14T10:51:00.015+11:00

A couple of still nights yielded a few new species.

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1 Piloprepes antidoxa
OECOPHORIDAE : Oecophorinae

No. 2 Moerarchis inconcisella
TINEIDAE : Myrmecozelinae

No. 3 Oenochroma vinaria (Pink-bellied or Hakea Moth)
(I've not seen this moth since 2006)
GEOMETRIDAE : Oenochrominae

No. 4 Circopetes obtusata

GEOMETRIDAE : Oenochrominae

No. 5 Another Cup Moth. Doratifera sp - possibly Doratifera pinguis. This one has a very dark abdomen.

LIMACODIDAE

January Mothing - 2

2009-01-10T15:06:00.012+11:00

More moths coming to light over the past week.

With assistance from Donald Hobern, I was able to put names to faces on Moths 1 and 2! :-)

(Click to enlarge images)

No. 1 Another Snout Moth - Pernattia pusilla
LASIOCAMPIDAE

No. 2 Heteromicta pachytera

PYRALIDAE : Galleriinae

No. 3 A very pale version of Dissomorphia australiaria (Thanks for confirmation, MH!)

GEOMETRIDAE : Ennominae

No. 4 Epiphyas sp. Possibly Epiphyas postvittana

TORTRICIDAE

No. 5 - an interesting little moth measuring all of 1.5cm antennae inclusive!

I think it might belong to the family LECITHOCERIDAE

As usual, entries subject to correction from those much more experienced than I am. :-)

January 2009 Mothing - 1

2009-01-07T16:02:00.016+11:00

The year has got off to a good start mothing-wise, although there has been a bit of wind around. Quite a lot of new species and these are a few I have attempted to identify.

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1 A Snout Moth - Paraguda rufescens
LASIOCAMPIDAE

No. 2 Agrotis radians
NOCTUIDAE : Noctuinae

No. 3 Cleora sp.
GEOMETRIDAE : Ennominae

No. 4 I think this is Proteuxoa tibiata
NOCTUIDAE : Acronictinae/Amphipyrinae

No. 5 Mythimna convecta (Common Armyworm)
NOCTUIDAE : Hadeninae

No. 6 Phrissogonus laticostata (Apple Looper)
This is a male, I believe, because of the furry shoulder pads!
GEOMETRIDAE : Larentiinae

No. 7 Probably Phelotis cognata - grey form
GEOMETRIDAE : Ennominae

No. 8 Donald Hobern photographed a moth very similar to this a day or so ago, so I will await his identification! :-)

UPDATE: (Thanks Donald!) This is possibly Compsotropha sp.
OECOPHORIDAE : Oecophorinae

No. 9 Anachloris subochraria
GEOMETRIDAE : Larentiinae

Identifications subject to correction, as usual! :-)

December Mothing - 8

2009-01-01T14:16:00.012+11:00

To help me see the New Year in, a few moths paid a visit!

A couple of previously recorded Noctuids were flitting around: Heliothis punctifera and Agrotis radians.

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1. Uresiphita ornithopteralis

CRAMBIDAE : Pyraustinae

No. 2. I think this is Barea sp. possibly Barea confusella

OECOPHORIDAE : Oecophorinae

No. 3. I'm pretty sure this is Doratifera casta (the caterpillars of which I have photographed)

LIMACODIDAE

No. 4. I'm not sure if this belongs to a moth or not but I found two attached to a Casuarina sapling yesterday. It might belong to a Notodontid of some description.

ADDENDUM: I forgot to include this little pest! :-)

No. 5 Helicoverpa punctigera

NOCTUIDAE : Heliothinae

December Mothing - 7

2008-12-31T14:16:00.008+11:00

The last of the mothing for 2008 ended on a good note when I was lucky enough to spot this cup moth in a juvenile eucalypt.

(Click to enlarge)

No. 1. Doratifera quadriguttata
LIMACODIDAE

No. 2. This one came to light and I think it's the same species as No.1 although it has more than 4 spots on wing.

No. 3. This may or may not be Cup Moth eggs covered in 'fur'!

I'm keeping a eye out for caterpillars on the tree. None that I can see yet.

No. 4. This is a very grey example of the Triangular Moth. I think it is Epidesmia chilonaria as the wing margins are distinctly white as well as the line across the wings.
GEOMETRIDAE : Oenochrominae

No. 5. Another Case/Bag Moth casing - past it's 'use by' I think.
This may be the Common Leaf Case Moth - Hyalarcta huebneri.

I am noticing the Case Moths I've found so far are on young eucalypt regrowth around 2 to 3 years of age.

PSYCHIDAE

Happy New Year to all who visit this Blog. I wish you well for 2009.

December Mothing - 6

2008-12-26T14:34:00.011+11:00

Here are a few moths that have come to the light over the past few days.

(Click to enlarge)

No.1. Proteuxoa sanguinipuncta showing the striking markings on its wings.

NOCTUIDAE : Amphipyrinae

No. 2. This moth looks very similar to Cotachena histricalis

UPDATE: (Thanks MH) Hygraula nitens.
Caterpillars of this moth are aquatic.
CRAMBIDAE : Acentropinae

No. 3 was a tiny moth. I'm not sure if it's a Tineid as the palps are not really visible in this image.

Perhaps it could be something more exciting like Opostega sp from family Opostegidae

No. 4 is Diatenes aglossoides again showing nice wing colouration. It did not remain on top of the spider web for very long! :-)

NOCTUIDAE : Catocalinae

No. 5 is more than likely to be Uraba lugens again perching on my garden hose.

NOCTUIDAE : Nolinae

December Mothing - 5

2008-12-20T13:27:00.011+11:00

A small selection.

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1. I'm going right out on a limb here. 'I think' this might be a Fairy Moth. If I am correct, it might be Nemophora sp. but I really have no idea. I could find next to nothing on Fairy Moths on the web. This one came to light. If it's not a Fairy Moth, then it's possible it's a Caddisfly of some sort.
On the proviso, it's a Fairy Moth:-
ADELIDAE

UPDATE: It's NOT a Fairy Moth but actually a Caddis (thanks Wendy) and likely to be the Longhorned Caddis, one of over 400 species in Australia, apparently!
Order: Trichoptera
Family: Leptoceridae

No. 2. Possibly Clania ignobilis or Faggot Case Moth
PSYCHIDAE

Thanks to Donald Hobern for his help in identiftying this moth.
It could be Thrinocophora signigerana
TORTRICIDAE

__________________________

NOT MOTHS!! :-)

I'm putting this photo of some very colourful caterpillars up because I found them on the same little Eucalypt regrowth as the Case Moth. The original tree, although only small, became one of the many victims of the local Council's roadside chopping/lopping exercises!! :-(

I'm not sure what they are. Maybe some sort of Sawfly? They certainly rear up when disturbed.

UPDATE: These are actually Leaf Beetle larvae. (Thanks Wendy :-) )
Probably Chrysophtharta variicollis. See here.
CHRYSOMELIDAE

If I am incorrect with any of the above identifications, please set the record straight.

Rat-tailed Maggot

2008-12-17T18:42:00.006+11:00

Some of us with a few cattle hanging around keep a garbage bin - or whatever -with a ready supply of liquid manure, if you're a gardener, that is!

Many years ago, I found strange things living in my 'private bin'! I took a specimen into what was then the Department of Agriculture who were unable to identify the creature. It was passed around and nobody knew what the heck it was.

Around July this year, I accidentally stumbled upon it whilst searching another Diptera species. This year, I elected to carefully monitor my liquid manure vats! Voila - we have a touchdown!

The Rat-tailed Maggot is the larva of the Drone fly which is an important pollinator. The adults are nectar feeders.

Drone flies are about the size of a honey bee. They are extremely hard to photograph as they are rapid fliers, changing direction quickly. They hover but then zap off at right angles.

Drone flies seek out highly nitrogenous waste to breed. That can range from septic tanks to liquid manure receptacles.

(Click images to enlarge)

On this photo in particular you can see the snorkel-like breathing tube attached to the end of the "rat-tail". These 2 shots were taken in liquid manure.

Larvae can be as long as 2cm, the tails up to 4cm. They feed on decaying organic material or rich nitrongenous waste.

DIPTERA
Family: Syrphidae
Eristalis tenax

December Mothing - 4

2008-12-16T18:19:00.012+11:00

All but the first moth came to light last night.

(Click to enlarge)

No. 1 I'm pretty sure this is Enispa niviceps
NOCTUIDAE : ACONTIINAE

No. 2 Etiella behrii
PYRALIDAE : Phycitinae
This is an agricultural pest.

No. 3 Plutella xylostella (Diamond-backed or Cabbage Moth)
PLUTELLIDAE
Another agricultural pest!

Unknown:

No. 4 - 1.5cm in length
UPDATE: This moth is probably Neumichtis archephanes
NOCTUIDAE

No. 5 - 1.5cm in length
No's 4 and 5 may be the same moth.

No. 6 - approximately 2.cm
UPDATE (thanks to MH again)
This is likely to be the Lesser Budworm, Heliothis punctifera
NOCTUIDAE
Subfamily: Heliothinae

No. 7
UPDATE: (Again, thanks to MH)
Gum-leaf Skeletoniser Uraba lugens
NOLIDAE

Spit!

2008-12-15T14:53:00.004+11:00

I found heaps of 'spittle' on one large low-hanging branch on my Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) last Thursday before we had significant rain over the weekend.

The spittle is the secretion of the Spittlebug nymph. They attach themselves to a stem, gorge themselves on the sap, taking up excessive amounts of water and carbohydrates. They expel the excess via their anal area, thus providing themselves with a frothy 'cocoon' which protects the nymph from predation as well as insulating it from the elements.

I didn't wreck one of the frothy masses to find the nymph, deciding to leave them in peace. I will have another look for the insect now the wind has ceased here and the camera is back on the table!

(Click to enlarge)

UPDATE: I did a little exploration.

Here's the Spittlebug nymph It quickly regained it's composure with more spittle!

HEMIPTERA : Aphrophoridae

December Mothing - 3

2008-12-13T12:39:00.011+11:00

A selection of moths coming to the light recently.

(Click to enlarge)

No. 1
Possibly Proteuxoa sp.
NOCTUIDAE
Subfamily: Amphipyrinae

No. 2 Static wingspan - 4cm.
Triangular Moth

Epidesmia sp. (Probably Epidesmia hypenaria -thanks MH!)

GEOMETRIDAE : Oenochrominae

No. 3

Pyralis farinalis in typical position. This one showing green on wings as opposed to the fawn version in previous December Mothing entry.

PYRALIDAE

Unknown:

No. 4 Pyralid

No. 5 - quite a small moth

UPDATE: Phrissogonus laticostata (female)

GEOMETRIDAE : Larentiinae (Thanks to MH)

No. 6 - about 2cm in length

Oecophorid

White On White

2008-12-07T17:19:00.003+11:00

The flowering parsley is attracting a number of insects and I couldn't let an opportunity like this go by unrecorded.

This is a White Crab/Flower spider - Thomisus spectabilis enjoying a Cabbage White meal!

Typically, they go for the neck and that's exactly what this one did when despatching the butterfly.

I hope to be able to keep an eye on this one because they tend to stay put once they've found a good spot.

(Click to enlarge)

December Mothing 2

2008-12-06T10:48:00.011+11:00

It was warm enough to do a bit of mothing last night.

I was delighted to see my first "Emerald"! Two came in.
(Click to enlarge)

No. 1 If I am correct, this is Chlorocoma dichloraria. However, I have received advice that there may be several species that look very much alike in the Emeralds, so my moth might or might not be as named! :-)
GEOMETRIDAE : GEOMETRINAE

No. 2 appears to be a paler form of Sceliodes cordalis I photographed in October this year.
GRAMBIDAE : Pyraustinae - Spilomenlini

No. 3 Pyralis farinalis
PYRALIDAE

No. 4. A strikingly marked moth approximately 2cm in length.

I'm not sure what it is. It might belong to Crambidae or it might be something else.
Assistance would be appreciated! :-)
UPDATE: This moth is probably Dichromodes sp.
GEOMETRIDAE : Oenochrominae
(Thanks MH)

No 5. When I first saw this moth, I thought it might have been Ectropis excursaria until I noticed the spots.

Static wingspan would have been around 3 to 4cm.

No idea so help again will be appreciated.

UPDATE: Diatenes aglossoides
NOCTUIDAE : CATOCALINAE

Thanks Mosura :-)

4th Ladybird Species

2008-12-05T08:21:00.006+11:00

..........and possibly a 5th! :-)

These are far from good images, taken one-handed as I tried to steady the parsley flower heads against the constant wind yesterday. I wanted some sort of 'recognisable' images for my records, because these tiny beasties might not be around when the wind eventually abates.
Both species approximately 2.5 to 3mm (maybe!)

The first 2 photos I believe may be of Diomus notescens or the "Minute Spotted Ladybird"
Family: Coccinellidae
(Click to enlarge)

This one is taken against my hand. Blame the wind for that! :-)
I "think" it might be Archegleis sp. There is so little information about distribution and approximate size out there, I am guessing with this one. It was about the same size - maybe a bit smaller than Diomus notescens.

Family: Coccinellidae

3rd Ladybird Species

2008-12-04T07:01:00.005+11:00

Hippodamia variegata - the Spotted Amber Ladybird or White Collared Ladybird.

Although a native of Europe, this is a very useful pest control agent. Tests have been carried out to determine the benefit of this species to the horticultural industry, particularly greenhouses, as a biological control for aphids, mites, thrips and whitefly.

These ones (and there were several) were on my parsley which, as you will note, is going to seed! :-)

I've set myself a task to search for and photograph other ladybird species in the garden this year.

(Click to enlarge)

Score-card so far:-

Family: Coccinellidae:

Harmonia conformis
Cocinella transversalis
Hippodamia variegata

Heteronympha merope

2008-12-03T09:21:00.003+11:00

Yesterday afternoon, I decided to pay a visit to the small block of remnant vegetation about 2 minutes walk from my house. I had a plan to undertake some arachnid stalking. Spiders were a bit thin on the ground! Well, there were webs but no residents I could see!

Anyway, there were a few Common Brown butterflies flapping around plus a couple of day-flying moths.

I managed to sneak up on this butterfly after several aborted attempts to get any photos, particularly ones with the wings open! :-)

The butterflies were doing what this species does at this time of the year - flying close to the ground and occasionally landing, opening and closing the wings a couple of times then off again.

I think this one might be a male.

(Click to enlarge)

December Mothing (1)

2008-12-02T10:26:00.007+11:00

It was sheer good fortune I was able to photograph this Cossid late last night. I turned the porch light on as I went outside and this moth was straight in, hammering the fluorescent light. It took some time to settle long enough for me to take a couple of photos.

It was a soft grey colour with intricate patterning on the wings. There is also a hint of rust brown towards the base as well. As it was flying against the light, the wings looked lacey.

I'm going out on a limb and speculatively identify it as Endoxyla sp! :-)
(Click to enlarge)

I will be watching for more Cossids from now on.

A Couple of Spiders

2008-11-27T07:38:00.004+11:00

At last, the weather has begun to warm up again after a few cold week or so.

These two spiders are taking advantage of the porch light to do some easy hunting.

(Click to enlarge)

This little lady paid me a visit as I was sitting outside observing moth activity on Tuesday night.

She's very similar in colour and body shape to the Little Striped Wolf (Lycosa furcillata) but much larger. Around 2cm from head to tail so I suspect she is Lycosa sp. possibly godeffroyi, (Garden Wolf) which are widely distributed.

Another Huntsman. The little arrow on this shot is pointing to some staining on the jaw hairs. Probably gravy! :-)

Thanks to some outside expert assistance, I now have a fair idea as to the correct identity of this particular species I'm encountering frequently here.

Isopeda leishmanni

November Mothing Page 2

2008-11-13T12:58:00.014+11:00

Last night was hot and humid so it would have been a pointless exercise going to bed at my normal time.

It was worth staying up late, listening to the Senate Question Time on the ABC while outside enjoying the night air! :-)

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1. A common moth but I have not had the opportunity to photograph it till last night. Ochrogaster lunifer (the Processionary Caterpillar/Bag Shelter Moth) if I am not wrong and they can be quite variable in colour.

NOTODONTIDAE : Thaumetopoeinae

________________________________

More Don't Knows

________________________________

No. 2 was small - about 1cm

UPDATE: Order Tineidae (probably)

No. 3

This moth was larger.

Probably an Oecophorid. Possibly Agriophara sp.

No. 4.

Sort of looks like it has slightly hooked wingtips and measuring about 2.5cm

Probably a Geometrid

UPDATE: Geometridae : Oenochrominae - Taxeotis sp. Could be T. intextata

No. 5

About 1cm in length

UPDATE: No. 5 is the male form of Light Brown Apple Moth

Tortricidae: Epiphyas postvittana. (Thanks for your help, WM)

No. 6

Small moth.

No. 7 was a bit bigger

I'm not sure if this is a another Tortricid or not.

The palps do seem to be pointing forward in front of head and it does look a bit bell-shaped.

Perhaps this moth is the female Light Brown Apple Moth

Tortricidae: Epiphyas postvittana

A Big HELLO.......

2008-11-11T16:19:00.004+11:00

........from Vic. to Tas. :-)

Couldn't have Mosura's Ladybird getting lonely!

This one was trundling around on my wall the other day. I actually moved it to my standard roses where it could perform its little functions in a familiar environment!

Don't you just love 'em!

(Click to enlarge)

Order: COLEOPTERA
Coccinella transversalis

November Mothing - Page 1

2008-11-09T16:21:00.011+11:00

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1 Phalaenoides glycinae (the Vine Moth)
ORDER: NOCTUIDAE

No. 2. Pretty sure this is Agrotis infusa (the Bogong) - in my haystack! :-)
ORDER: Noctuidae

No. 3 is a better shot of Monopsis ethelella
ORDER: Tineididae

______________________________

The 'I don't knows' :-)
______________________________

No.4. 1cm length
UPDATE: I've been going through the Leaf Rollers and Bell Moths (Tortricidae) trying to identify a moth I photographed last night (11/11)
I wonder if Moth 4 is a Tortricid?

No. 5 (Possibly another Noctuid)
Length - 2.5cm
UPDATE: Having gone through the slim information available on the Net, as a result of a tipoff from Mosura, I think this moth is probably Agrotis porphyricollis
NOCTUIDAE : Noctuinae

No. 6. Just over 1cm in length
Is this one a Tortricid as well?

No. 7 - 2.5cm in length

UPDATE: Thanks to info from Mosura - this moth could be Leucana stenographa
NOCTUIDAE : Hadeninae

Last Of The October Moths

2008-11-04T08:50:00.003+11:00

(Click to enlarge)

More than likely Philobota sp.
Oecophoridae : Oecophorinae

No idea! :-)
It was a small moth, however. Probably less than 1cm in length.

Capers In Town

2008-11-01T08:47:00.004+11:00

Not many, but more than last year!

I saw my first Caper White for the season on the 27th October.

Last Thursday, I saw 3 or 4 busy feeding on a Hebe (Wiri Mist)

These butterflies are migratory, temporary visitors to Victoria and other southern states. They seldom breed outside their normal breeding range unless they find suitable host sources.

Main larval host plant is Capparis sp.

Belenois java
PIERIDAE : Pierinae

(Click images to enlarge)

Lacewings (and Friend!)

2008-10-31T14:23:00.009+11:00

Here are some insects coming to the light during my mothing adventures.

Order: NEUROPTERA

(Click images to enlarge)

I think this is an Owlfly. If it's not an Owlfly, then it has to be an Antlion! :-)
It was 3.5cm in length.

UPDATE: This is an Antlion. Thanks to 'outside help'. I appreciate the correction.

ORDER: Neuroptera
Family: Myrmeleontidae

I think this is one of our native cockroaches.

Order: BLABERIDAE

October Mothing 3

2008-10-30T09:38:00.015+11:00

Last night was reasonably active with conducive weather conditions - and I stayed up late! :-)

The majority of moths were small - around 1cm to 2cm in resting position. Some appearing here are duplications, but I will record the sightings anyway.

I have some homework to do (read 'assistance required') and will update as identifications are confirmed.

My little pal was back! This is a better photo of Wheeleria spilodactylus.
Pterophoridae.

(Click images to enlarge)

I'm not sure about Moth No. 2.
It might be a Gelechiid.
Ardozyga chionoprora is known to be in Western Victoria.

UPDATE: Philobota agnesella.

Oecophoridae : Oecophorinae

I suspect Moth No. 3 might be Idaea sp - possibly I. eretmopus.
Geometridae : Sterrhinae

Moth No. 4 I think may be a Crambid. This family has apparently been moved from the Pyralids!

Maybe Schoenobiinae sp?
Tipanaea patulella perhaps?
Crambidae : Schoenobiinae

I have no idea what Moth No. 5 is!
It was quite small. Less than a cm.

UPDATE No. 2: This is Monopis ethelella
TINEIDAE

Moth No. 6 has been photographed by others recently, I think.
I'll see if I can determine species.
This was the largest of the moths I saw last night.
It was on the ceiling in my laundry!

UPDATE: This moth is possibly Persectania sp.

Might be P. dyscrita (Inland Armyworm)

NOCTUIDAE : Hadeninae

UPDATE 2: Persectania ewingii.

Apparently on the wing of P ewingii there is a pale line in the shape of a dagger with a short "handle" across the centre

October Mothing - 2

2008-10-27T13:42:00.006+11:00

What a surprise last night! This moth came to the porch light.
I nearly missed it altogether. It was so white, it virtually disappeared into its surroundings. The photo is not particularly good because it was shot white on white and also the moth was a bit fidgety.

I think it's a Plume Moth but exactly which one of the order Pterophoridae it is remains unknown.

It measured about 2.4cm wingtip to wingtip.

UPDATE: A bit of research has been undertaken and it's possible this Plume Moth is Wheeleria spilodactylus which was introduced from Europe to control the weed Horehound.

(Click images to enlarge)

Not sure about this one. It might be Hednota sp. It was about 1.5cm in resting position.
Crambidae : Crambinae

I'm off to check moth No. 3.
Wingtip to wingtip, it measured around 2cm.
Another Geometrid perhaps.

UPDATE: It's possible this moth is a variation of Scopula perlata.
Geometridae : Sterrhinae

So far this season, I have photographed two similar yet different forms of the moth pictured above. I will put them all together on their own page shortly.

Tobacco Looper

2008-10-26T07:43:00.005+11:00

NOCTUIDAE
Plusiinae

I found this moth yesterday afternoon when I returned home from an Agricultural Show.

I'm pretty sure it is Chrysodeixis argentifera. The tell-tale silver "S" on the wing separates it from a similar Chrysodeixis species.

Now I might know one of the cuprits making holes in my Silver Beet!

Caterpillars of this moth also feed on canola, beens, sunflowers and tomatoes and has a bit of a reputation as being an agricultural pest.

The moth measured about 2.4cm in resting position.

It can be found all over Australia, including Tasmania.

(Click images to enlarge)

Duncan has a photo of this moth in his "October Moths" gallery.

Shields Up!

2008-10-20T13:06:00.006+11:00

I prefer to call them Shield Bugs rather than Stink Bugs! :-)

Anyway, I found these two sunning themselves on Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood) last Wednesday. I enjoy finding them around October each year. Their colouring interests me.

These two may be the same species although there is a bit of a difference in antennal markings.

I think these Shield Bugs are probably Oncocoris sp. Hemiptera : Pentatomidae.

(Click images to enlarge)

Junonia villida

2008-10-16T13:25:00.004+11:00

(Meadow argus)

This is a common butterfly but I rarely see them here. Perhaps this season will be different. Although this one has seen better days it let me take this photgraph as it was sunning itself.

So far this year, I've seen a handful of Cabbage Whites, one or two Australian Painted Ladies, one Yellow Admiral and several sightings of Red-spotted Jezebel or Wood White. These gliding butterflies are one of my favourites so you can imagine how peeved I was when sitting off a Wood White yesterday as it inspected some mistletoe in my Melaleuca. It was on about the 4th or 5th lap of the tree when I suspect a rotten little Willy Wagtail whacked it! :-( It looked pretty guilty to me - sitting on my house power line licking it's little lips! Besides, I heard that 'snap'!!

And guess what! That Wagtail is expecting more to arrive! It's on constant patrol of the general location! Nothing to do with the fact that it may well have a nest in the vicinity. No, this Wagtail just wants to ruin my day!

Mean little bird! :-)

October Mothing.....

2008-10-15T13:49:00.004+11:00

.....has been abysmal; a non-event for me to date. It's either been too cold to sit outside or too windy to put the sheet up! :-(

I've seen several examples of this moth in the mornings under my verandah roof.

(Click to enlarge images)

I have absolutely no idea what it is. It's measuring around 3 to 3.5cm wingtip to wingtip.

I'd imagine it's a Geometrid of some sort. I have noticed it does hold its wings upright (like a butterfly) for short periods but then assumes the wings outstretched against the substrate position typical of Geometrids.

Mosura, Duncan - any ideas?

I'm Confused.......

2008-10-11T18:35:00.004+11:00

......but I bet this invertebrate knows exactly which family it belongs to!

It looks as though it should be Cerambycidae sp (Longicorn) except for two small issues. The dark tufts on 2nd antennal segment and an apparent lack of antennal spines.

It measured approximately 3cm. Perhaps a little over.

Anyone know what it is?

(Click to enlarge)

UPDATE: I've just come up for air having gone through A to Z of a massive Cerambycid database but found no Longicorns with antennal tufting like this one. I wonder if the tufts are temporary, seasonal?

It's possible my Longicorn might be Cnemoplites edulis (Newman) commonly known as the Mallee Witchetygrub - but then again! They both seem to have a similar dorsal stripe but antennal segments might not be quite right.

I might see if the Museum of Victoria can offer a suggestion. :-)

'I Didn't Do It!'

2008-10-04T19:17:00.007+10:00

'Honest Injun' !!

Nothing would eclipse The Duncan Factor with his image here, however - this Salticid was feeding on the Huntsman when I sprung it this afternoon. By the time I'd grabbed my camera and returned to the scene of the crime, I found the Salt offering sympathy rather than exhibiting it's true motivation!

(Click image to enlarge)

(Salticid yet to be identified. Possibly Servea sp.)

September Mothing

2008-09-29T12:40:00.015+10:00

(Click images to enlarge)

This is not a good image - it's really only suitable for my records, but I'm putting it up anyway. Don't be misled by this photo, the moth was more a light fawn colour.

I suspect it's Scopula perlata.
Subfamily: Sterrhinae
Geometridae

UPDATE: I've just received information that this moth might be Agrotis radians because of apparent white lines along the wing veins in my photo. The presence of white lines would separate A radians from A munda who don't have white lines. (Thanks MH)

Thanks to Mosura, I believe he is quite correct with his identification of this moth as Agrotis munda. The lava of this species is called the Brown or Pink Cutworm. It is a horticultural pest.

Subfamily: Noctuinae

Noctuidae

I have no idea what this one is! :-) Any help would be gratefully received!

UPDATE: This moth may well be (Cymatophora) aspera. Brackets because there is some confusion regarding genus. Virtually nothing is published either in books or online regarding this species of moth. Thanks again, MH. :-)

Geometridae

Subfamily: Ennominae

This one does look a bit like Helicoverpa punctigera and/or H. armigera, the caterpillars of both are serious crop pests!

Subfamily: Heliothinae

Noctuidae

All these moths were around 2cm in length.

Scarabaeidae

2008-09-28T09:34:00.008+10:00

A couple of beetles got in on the act last night as I attempted some serious mothing. It was unusually warm and still till about 9.30pm when everything went pear-shaped as a strong south-westerly wind came roaring in.

I did manage a few moths and will post images as soon as I try to identify them.

(Click images to enlarge)

I think this is the African Black Beetle (Heteronychus arator) as it was quite smooth compared to a cousin, Adoryphoris coutonii. There is another way to distinguish between the two but the angle of this photo does not permit. Neither have a particularly good reputation around the horticultural traps! :-)

"Shall We Dance?"

This one crawled onto my mothing sheet. I am unable to identify it after wading through several sites including CSIRO, so if anyone knows, please advise. It might not even be a member of the Scarab family.

UPDATE: (Thanks Mosura.) CSIRO's description seems to fit this beetle like a glove. It is most likely to be Ormogus sp (Family: Trogidae)

Duncan can have his Carrion Beetles, I will enjoy my Carcass Beetles! :-)

A Moth, Caterpillar And A Spider

2008-09-26T15:07:00.007+10:00

Well, at long last, some moths are starting to come in!

It was a warm night and the vinegar flies were on the wing.

I really don't know what this moth is, but it did behave like a a member of the family Tineodidae.

About 1.5cm in length, it's wings appeared to be held out at right angles and it held it's body up from the substrate. Simple antennae held at an angle from the head and it's forewings were pointed.

(Above information sourced from "A Guide To Australian Moths" by Paul Zborowski and Ted Edwards.)

(Click images to enlarge)

I will check further when time allows.

Again, no idea what species this caterpillar belongs to. It's probably a pest.

It was one of about three I saw last night feeding on Poa labillardieri. It was approximately 3cm in length. When disturbed, it drops into the plant.

I had a good look through Don Herbison-Evans site (link on right of page) but couldn't immediately identify it. More homework required - unless somebody is familiar with it. Mosura? :-)

I think Mosura can take a bow! His excellent post on Eriophora pustulosa taught me to be a little more observant.

When I took this shot yesterday at around 1pm, I was almost tempted to look at Uloboridae because of the rather untidy web. This was one of about 3 spiders of the same species I saw all co-habitating in and around a few webs on the tree. Also, these spiders were active during the day, which, on reflection, is unlike any Eriophora species I have observed. Approximate length - 1cm.

It was only when I had the image enlarged on my computer screen that I noticed the projections on the abdomen which seem to indicate it's probably Eriophora pustulosa.

A Review Of Sorts

2008-09-24T14:04:00.003+10:00

Yesterday, I picked up my copy of "Spiderwatch - A Guide To Australian Spiders" by Bert Brunet. (2008 Edition) It is available from www.publish.csiro.au/ns.

I had a quick look through it and am quite impressed. It's easy to digest for the rank amateur such as myself but would be suitable to the more advanced entomologist too. It's well illustrated with colour photos and drawings as well as identification guides.

It's full of good stuff including spider classification, anatomy, reproduction and where to find their favourite hiding places. I learnt that according to Brunet, Sparassids have been reclassified as Heteropodidae.

I believe it is a worthy addition to my entomology library.

The Salticids Are Active!

2008-09-18T18:31:00.004+10:00

I must confess, Salticids make it to No. 1 of my Favourite Spider list!

I spotted this one when I was watering some pot plants this afternoon.

Just over 1cm in length, I think it's Breda sp. Probably Breda jovialis.

B.jovialis is known as the "Australian Jumping Spider" and a very colourful spider it is. This spider is very active in the palp department, waving and shimmying palps every which way!

Don't you just love 'em? :-)

(Click image to enlarge)

A Warm Spring Night.....

2008-09-14T08:25:00.006+10:00

...and this plump Sparassid was on my downpipe, tucking into a quick snack!

I think it's Isopedella flavida with a definite glint in an eye! This species is large and they are known to utilize walls. I suspect this one is bedded down under some flashing on the south side of the house.

It allowed a couple of shots then nicked off to finish its prey in peace!

This is a large file so those on Dial-Up - be warned!

(click to enlarge)

Correction: Species is probably Isopeda leishmanni

Lychas Anyone?

2008-09-06T08:16:00.005+10:00

Family: Buthidae

Although there is some similarity between the Marbled Scorpion (Lychas variatus) and Lychas marmoreus, the Little Marbled Scorpion, I think this one is the latter.

Oh heck, it could be the former as L variatus is known in Western Victoria! :-)

(Click images to enlarge)

Total body length of this one was about 3cm (typical size of L marmoreus) and a prong is evident at the base of the stinger (telson). Both species have this.

There are around nine known species of Scorpion in Victoria.

I was stung by one of these little tackers a couple of years ago! A real burning sensation, which was quickly extinguished by inserting afflicted digit in iced water.

A Sparassid At Last!

2008-08-31T12:34:00.005+10:00

Well, at least a Neosparassid!

This "Badge Huntsman" was on my sliding door when I returned from annoying a couple of amphibians with my camera last night. The weather has warmed up and more like spring so I imagine spiders will become a little more active now.

This one did not appear to be fully grown but rode the door backwards and forwards as I came in and out from several missions, including rounding up a couple of logs to keep the fire going during the night.

Neosparassids can be identified easily by the black shield (usually with 2 white dots) on the abdomen but the pattern of the shield may differ between species. They are also known as "Shield Huntsmen"

Just so you know, this is the only way I will be looking at the underparts of Huntsmen. Them on one side of glass and me on the other! :-)

(Click to enlarge)

Butterflies

2008-08-28T08:56:00.002+10:00

Sorry folks, no sightings so far!

I was just going through my records from August last year and noted I saw my first Vanessa kershawi (Australian Painted Lady) on the 22nd August last year. Vanessa itea (Yellow Admiral) on the 30th August. Some small blues and Pieris rapae were seen around the 27th August, 2007

The butterflies are a bit slow off the mark here this year.

Perhaps September will be more favourable!

Flowers, Frogs & Fungi....

2008-08-17T08:34:00.005+10:00

I've changed the Blog's name and URL.

http://fungiofgreatwestern.blogspot.com

Sorry for any inconvenience.

Hepialidae - Fraus fusca

2008-07-28T14:40:00.003+10:00

At the time, I decided this photograph was not good enough to post to this blog. However, after having the privilege of an expert opinion on some moth identifications, I've changed my mind!

There is little knowledge about Fraus fusca in adult form and in my area of Victoria (the Wimmera) collections are few and far between.

I will be keeping my eyes open for future sightings of this moth. Data, obviously, is pretty important.

I spotted this one on my doorstep in April this year. It was quite a small moth.

(Click to enlarge)

Identification updates of some Hepialids plus a couple of other moth species will be made shortly, thanks to 'expert opinion'.

I'm very grateful for the assistance I've received.

Small And Silver

2008-07-27T10:08:00.003+10:00

I first found this striking little moth on a young Black Wattle the other day, but do you think I could capture a sharp photo of it? No!

All of 1cm in length, it's wing colour was silver. Not grey - but pure silver!

On Friday, I noticed another one (well, it may have been the same one, who would know!) on the outside of my kitchen window which faces south, so the tones of this image are somewhat bluish.

I have absolutely no idea what it is. More than likely, it's very common and a world-wide pest!

I searched various families, including Hypertrophids, Epermeniids and Yponomeutids to no avail. Of course, the likelihood of it not belonging to any of those families is rather high!

If anyone knows what it is, step up to the plate, please! :-)

Temporary Captive

2008-07-16T21:00:00.007+10:00

Acting on a call for help from Denis a day ago with regard to identification of his little bug, my subsequent research led me to think it could have been the larva of a native Ladybird (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) commonly known as the Mealybug Ladybird. Larvae of this species mimic their prey. This Ladybird is native to NSW and Qld.

I also looked at centipedes and I suspect Chris' identification of a really immature House Centipede (Scutigerid) is most likely the correct one.

It's a bit ironic that I found this Common Spotted Ladybird (Harmonia conformis) on my bathroom window today!

(Click to enlarge)

Yes - it was released onto my rose garden the instant our photo session ceased!

Order: Coleoptera

Family: Coccinellidae

Red

2008-07-10T08:36:00.004+10:00

Yesterday, while I was stalking fungi I found this little bug! It was small. I've had a bit of a look to try and determine which family it should be placed in. No luck. It's not a mite as it appears to have 6 legs rather than 8.

(Click image to enlarge)

Anyone know?

Update: It might be a mite of some sort afterall. Body shape and size is similar to the Red Velvet Mite. Apparently, there are about 30 species of the Order Acarina, family Trombidiidae in Australia of which very few have been documented.

Tempting Fate

2008-07-07T17:18:00.007+10:00

Blame it on my eyes, but the smaller arachnid does not look like the male of this particular Desidae species!

I watched this little battle for over an hour this morning. The Black House spider was out of her comfort zone and away from her web.

(Click to enlarge)

The smaller spider was persistent. It did resemble mating behaviour, but the male of Badumna insignis is supposed to be similar in colour to the female but slightly lighter, so what exactly was going on here?

It came down to the female numerous times and stroked her head and front legs. She tried to lunge but had little traction on the aluminium door frame. The small spider would retreat up the thread and when well out of reach, turn around and repeat the process all over again!

Whatever it was going on between these two, it was certainly interesting to watch.

UPDATE: I sent myself off to do a little research and it's possible the small arachnid is Achaearanea sp. Same family (Theridiidae) as the Redback. If that's the case then this encounter may have more to do with a territorial dispute than anything else.

A Sign Of The Times?

2008-07-04T12:58:00.002+10:00

Winter was the time I could safely put away all weapons of mass destruction where flies, particularly blowflies, were concerned. Not so this year!

I hate these little mongrels with a passion and had to execute one who managed to bulldoze its way inside this morning.

I will point the finger at my neighbour who allowed the decomposing bodies of three sheep, probably victims of bad weather a few weeks ago, to lie in state for a week near our boundary fence!

This is probably Calliphora stygia - Common Brown Blowfly.

Anyone else having fly problems in the middle of winter?

Fisera perplexata (Winter Form)

2008-07-01T08:17:00.003+10:00

Geometridae/Ennominae

On June 5th, I posted a few shots of this moth and could not identify it.

I now know it to be Fisera perplexata - winter form.

I have learnt something. Moths can have different forms depending on the seasons.

Thanks Peter.

Nothing Really!

2008-06-30T07:10:00.002+10:00

I thought I would have a moth or two to photograph over the past few days, but no. The nights have been mild for this time of year and we really need rain again. Even the fungi wandered off!

The camera has been mobilised however. I found a frog!

The second Blog will be updated reasonably regularly whilst this one dips into a bit of a hiatus until the invertebrates begin to move again.

On Mosura's advice, I closely inspected the tagasaste for any evidence of caterpillar activity particularly in light of his recent entry on the Tree Lucerne Moth. Although some smaller branches appeared to be defoliated, there was regrowth, so the caterpillars have possibly been and gone.

While the weather is more springlike than winter, I guess I will just continue plucking capeweed from my lawns until I find some action somewhere! :-)

A Late June Moth!

2008-06-25T13:00:00.008+10:00

I found this moth yesterday on the doorstep.
As it was still alive, I moved it to a piece of wood.

This photo is not good. I may have a better one still to be loaded onto my computer.

I have no idea what it is yet. It might be a Pyralid of some description.
It was approximately 2.5cm in length.

Pectanate antennae.

The hindwing is fawn/grey with small spots and brown margin.

UPDATE: Nisista (most likely serrata)
Geometridae (Ennominae)

My Other Blog

2008-06-14T08:26:00.006+10:00

Winter is likely to bring a bit of a halt to my invertebrate photography, so I've been building a second Blog. At the moment it's full of fungi! I want to record as many species as I can this year and so far, I'm having a field day! :-)

All sightings are from my own garden or within a few hundred metres of my property. In other words, easy walking distance!

Another huge learning curve happening here!

Other odds and ends will be included in the 2nd Blog.

Monday Night's Mothing

2008-06-10T14:06:00.009+10:00

Here's one I prepared earlier! :)

(Click images to enlarge)

I believe it is a Hepialid but the significant difference I noticed between this one and other Hepialids such as the one below are the 'knickerbockers'! Much more dense upper leg cover (which makes me wonder if it is a Hepialid, actually.) Quite a nice moth. It had an orangy coloured hindwing which is visible in the photo.

UPDATE: Oxycanus (could be rosaceous; rufescens or sirpus)

After some rain last night, (5.5mm in total) this species of Hepialid was active. I saw 3. About 4cm in length, it had a greyish hindwing. Probably another Oxycanus sp.

UPDATE: Could be Oxycanus antipoda

This moth was quite pretty. Approximately 3cm in length. No idea what it is, but I'm about to trundle off to see if I can find out.

Update: Thanks to Duncan's very good Moth Gallery, I think this one is probably Crypsiphona ocultaria. (Geometridae - sub-family Geometrinae) I missed it fly off so was unable to observe the undercarriage which is strikingly coloured. Black and crimson on white.

Pollen Baskets

2008-06-09T08:01:00.003+10:00

I must pay attention this Spring because I can't remember seeing red tinted corbiculas on domestic or wild honey bees before.

It might be an Autumn phenomenon with not many plants in flower.

This bee is busy on Salvia microphylla (Huntington Red) which is a prolific bloomer at most times of the year. Many nectar-feeding invertebrates including the Blue-banded bee (Amegilla cingulata) also love this plant.

(Click image to enlarge)

This photo does not do the flower justice. It is bright red. The shot was taken in overcast conditions after some rain.

Another Gastropod

2008-06-08T09:16:00.006+10:00

I've now seen two of these slugs this year - and they are big ones. I found them both in the vicinity of a seldom used gully-trap.

I hope I'm right by slotting it into the Lehmannia sp catagory (Family: Limacidae)

I believe Lehmannia is an introduced model from Europe.

(Click image to enlarge)

Finding any gastropod is a bit of a novelty - so be patient with me, please! :)

I couldn't access CSIRO databases yesterday - but I might wander over now and check a little further.

Unidentified MOTH No. 1

2008-06-05T14:59:00.006+10:00

Last night, we had 1.5mm of drizzle and I managed to photograph two moths. I am having difficulty with No. 1 and a bit more exploration is required on No. 2.

UPDATE: Geometridae/Ennominae (Fisera perplexata - winter form)
1/7/2008

The moth is about 3.5cm in length.

This shot was taken when said moth landed on my back door and it's not very clear, but it shows the stout body. The hindwing was grey.

I may be forced to annoy the Museum of Victoria again with yet another query!

However, if there is somebody who is able to correctly identify this moth, I would be very grateful.

*I can hear you laughing from here, Duncan! :)

It Must Be Winter!

2008-06-04T08:25:00.003+10:00

My photography has gone to the dogs! Not much around at the moment but what there is, I'm managing to muck up. I got a few shots of another little mollusc yesterday but alas, they are far from good.

I guess I will just have to practice on the Sulphur-crested cockatoos as they wreck my olive and cypress trees. I do look at their damage as a form of pruning but the litter I have to clear away is incredible. I'm sure cockatoos become really bored at certain times of the year, ergo, this vandalism is a type of therapy for them! Cypress seed cones and olives are probably on the menu to some extent but striping the tree tops does not lead to a good look!

The forecast is for a few showers today and tomorrow, so hopefully, a few moths may be around tonight - if the Bureau of Meteorology happens to be correct!

There are a few stragglers from a small flush of Common Grass-blue butterflies a couple of weeks ago and the odd Cabbage White is still hanging in there.

I hope I will find a few invertebrates to photograph during the winter months. Otherwise, this Blog will begin to look a little sad - and we cannot have that!

Enter The Mollusc!

2008-05-30T08:28:00.004+10:00

On Monday, this very striking little snail caught my eye. It was the first time I had seen one like this. It was on parsley and about 1cm in length. I didn't find any others.

Because I am a 'must know' sort of person, I contacted the Museum of Victoria. The Museum's "Discovery Centre" replied the next day.

Apparently there are two similar species. Prietocella barbara (previously known as Cochlicella barbara) and Cochlicella acuta. Both species are migrants from the Mediterranean and deemed to be agricultural pests in Australia!

The Museum thinks this one is probably Prietocella barbara because of my location.

Since this 'photo opportunity' the little snail seems to have disappeared.

Another Mantid

2008-05-29T13:53:00.007+10:00

(Plus a correction to my first Mantid entry!)

Last night, I saw this Mantid on a wall. I have hanging baskets in the vicinity plus several pot plants. This is quite a large one, about 8cm in length. As it is fully winged, it's probably a male.

(Click images to enlarge)

This morning, it was still there, so I moved it into the closest hanging basket.
It's possible this Mantid is also the Purple-winged Mantid (Tenodera australasiae)

Rain = More Hepialids

2008-05-27T06:53:00.006+10:00

(Although it's still too dark outside to take the measurement, we had some rain overnight.)

There were a number of this species of Hepialid out and about last night. Many came inside, several attached to me. They were carefully captured and taken out into darkness via the front door.

These particular moths were slightly smaller in length (approximately 3cm) although a couple were larger.

Distinguishing features on this moth was the bright yellow antennae and the appearance of a longer abdomen protruding at rest. The hindwing was yellowish/brown.

If I am correct and this moth belongs to the Oxycanus family, then it would appear the moth photographed may have been anxious to breed.

For instance, Oxycanus antipoda females apparently deposit eggs in flight onto vegetation close to the ground.

Hepialids generally have a small window in which to breed. About 24 hours.

UPDATE: Likely to be Oxycanus antipoda

Proteuxoa - I Think :-)

2008-05-26T08:38:00.005+10:00

(Noctuidae/Amphipyrinae)

There has been very little moth activity here for a while. I suspect it has something to do with the lack of rain.

Here are a couple of (not very good) shots of two small moths I photographed earlier this month. The top one photographed through glass. They both appeared identical in body shape. The only difference was the colour.

I found it very difficult trying to make an absolute identification.

UPDATE: Proteuxoa (possibly marginalis)

Coprosma Hawk Moth

2008-05-20T12:39:00.005+10:00

Speaking of hindwings, the saga of the correct identification of my Hawk Moth, which I was lucky enough to photograph in February this year, has, hopefully, come to an end.

Thanks to the WA Department of Agriculture's website which has a comprehensive list of rather good specimen images (see "Links" to the right of page.) I was exploring the site on another mission but became sidetracked as I scrolled through their Sphingidae list. At last, I found a real difference between Hippotion scrofa (Coprosma Hawk Moth) and Gnathothlibus erotus/eras.

Hippotion scrofa has spots on wing and a dark line on wingtip, whereas the other species apparently doesn't.

(Click to enlarge image of this magnificent moth)

Now for a little rant! :-)

In the era of climate change, we juniors in the field should be providing a significant contribution to entomology by being the eyes on the ground, particularly as species are likely to move into previously unrecorded zones.

To enable us to correctly identify species, online databases (specifically, image galleries) run by Museums and, dare I say, the CSIRO should be updated and upgraded. Inclusion of approximate size of an invertebrate would be of benefit, particularly when working through the vast number of moth families and sub-families. It would be helpful to know whether we are looking for a 5 tonne truck or a Mini Moke!

I think we really need a comprehensive entomology database along the lines of USQ's brilliant "Find A Spider" website.

Another Hepialid (?)

2008-05-18T13:59:00.004+10:00

We were lucky to receive 26mm rain over the past few days, but this was the only moth I saw last night.

Approximately 6cm in length, it had interesting markings on the wings but I have had difficulty finding close matches on any of my moth websites.

I apologise for the distracting shadow, but the moth was in a difficult position to photograph well.

I have constructed an observation jar (a large one) and if this species turns up again tonight, I'll try and get a close look at the hindwing.

It's possbily Oxycanus sp.

I would welcome a comment from any lepidopterists correcting me, if I am wrong with my identification.

(Click image to enlarge)

UPDATE: Again, likely to be Oxycanus antipoda.

Salticid And Sparassid

2008-05-15T13:54:00.006+10:00

Yesterday, I found this tiny Salticid darting around on the leaf. It was possibly in the process of constructing a single thread bridge from one leaf to others. There were threads just visible this morning, but I couldn't find the spider.

I think this one may be Maratus sp.

This poor little Huntsman was exposed when I removed a piece of canvas to pack away.

Approximately 1.5cm in body length, I think it's Neosparassus sp - possibly calligaster (previously Olios calligaster) I've learnt with many invertebrate species, there seems to be constant arguments about genus/species.

I had no intention of upending this model to see if it had a black patch underneath the abdomen, so the arguments may rage on!

Confirmed: Neosparrasus calligaster

Mantid

2008-05-12T17:02:00.005+10:00

Whilst doing a bit of gardening today, I disturbed this Mantid in the mulch. I wouldn't have noticed it had it not given me a glimpse of it's magnificent wings.

It was approximately 10cm in length.

I think it's the Stick Mantid (Archimantis latistyla)

CORRECTION:

Ive been researching Mantids again. (29/5/08) It's possible this is Tenodera australasiae, the Purple-winged mantid.

(Click image to enlarge)

MIA

2008-05-07T12:25:00.006+10:00

Oenochroma vinaria caterpillars!

During April last year, my grevilleas were hosts to a number of caterpillars. Of course, we had over 100mm of rain up to and including April. This year, our rainfall total is only 63mm and I believe this has affected breeding.

Oenochroma vinaria is a very common moth throughout most of Australia and I wonder how common it will remain in my area, if, as we are being warned, the la Nina weather system has apparently weakened and another el Nino (drought producing) event appears to be taking hold again. The 12-year-plus drought has not even looked like breaking in the west and north-western districts of Victoria.
This particular moth will be only one of many invertebrates to suffer decline in populations over some sectors of Victoria, due to climate change, in my opinion.

I took the opportunity to take a couple of photos of the very colourful Heliotrope Moth (Utetheisa pulchelloides) as it warmed itself on a flywire screen this morning. This moth is a member of the Tiger Moth family (Arctiidae) and has a wingspan of around 3cm. U pulchelloides is a day flier and has been present in my garden, on and off, since January this year.

This one was approximately 2cm in length.

(Click to enlarge)

Hepialids Again

2008-05-03T07:08:00.009+10:00

After 6mm of rain on the 1st May, I had another 'session' with the Rain Moths.
They generally emerge after rain from Autumn to early Winter.

There can be a variation in colouring from pale to quite dark.

Although newly emerged, this one is interesting as it appears to have a couple of bald spots.

The adults are unable to feed and only live about 24 hours.

Yesterday, I went on the search for casings. This one protruded from the ground about 2.5cm.

(Click images to enlarge)

This casing was 8cm in length. The caterpillars feed on eucalypt roots.

Eriophora heroine

2008-05-02T07:03:00.005+10:00

Well, I think it is!

I found the markings on this Orb Weaver striking.

These were her eggs, which hatched fairly quickly and she positioned herself in the same leaf each morning not far from her brood.

Rain Moth (Trictena atripalpis)

2008-04-27T12:13:00.004+10:00

Family: Hepialidae (Swift and Ghost Moths)

(Click images to enlarge)

Yesterday, we managed to wring 6mm from a passing rainband and last night, I had visits from several Rain Moths. They differed in length from 4.5cm (above) to over 6cm (below)

I think this one may have been injured.

Early this morning, I looked for the casings around the base of some red gums, but was unable to find any. I did, however, find a few holes.

Vanessa itea

2008-04-23T06:14:00.006+10:00

Well, it only took eight months, but yesterday, I finally nailed the Yellow Admiral!

Over the last few days, it's been fascinated with my parsley! Parsley is not a known larval food host (as far as I know) so I was quite interested in this behaviour. However, the parsley is close to one host I have, that being Soleirolia soleirolii (Baby's Tears) so it's quite possible V itea is simply sitting off the host.

I will be on 'Admiral Watch' again from noon till around 2.pm today, which is the time I'm noticing activity from this butterfly. Unfortunately, I am only seeing one at a time - probably the same one!

Tomorrow, I will be concentrating on the Lesser Wanderer (Danaus chrysippus) one of which, has been doing low-flying laps of my house block for several days at around 3pm!

Katy At Night

2008-04-22T08:18:00.005+10:00

This is a nocturnal Katydid. An image I found on the CSIRO website of Conocephalis semivittatus (Blackish Meadow Katydid) is similar to this one, but according to the CSIRO, C. semivittatus is not varified as present in Victoria.
http://www.ento.csiro.au/aicn/name_c/a_434.htm

Body length is approximately 2cm with antennae about four times the length of the insect.

Fun With Spiders

2008-04-19T07:49:00.009+10:00

I was born an arachnophobe. Yes, I inherited the gene from my mother who would have an attack of the vapours at the mere mention of the word 'spider'!

I had to overcome this reckless desire to assassinate spiders. I set about making myself learn what I could about them. It took some time and it was far from easy.

Once I became seriously interested in studying invertebrates, I also became rather brave with the digital camera - set on macro! Super macro requires the photographer to get up close and personal with the subject! Sparassidae - Huntsmen, became a photo opportunity rather than monsters bent on causing an immediate bout of apoplexy!

Long gone are the days when a full can of a popular brand household pesticide was applied vigourously to a hapless Huntsman who made a fatal error of judgement by venturing inside. Long gone are the gynmstic exercises with the hose of a vacuum cleaner set on maximum suck! Huntsmen are still not entirely welcome in my home, especially the bedroom, but nowadays they are quietly relocated outside via a large jar and a piece of plastic. (Canon provide an excellent plastic sheet as part of the packaging of their photo paper!)

I really enjoy my interaction with spiders now. My camera has been a godsend to all large arachnids!

I must admit, I've developed a fondness for the Garden Orb (Eriophora biapicata.)

Over a few nights recently, I opted for a bit of night photography.

This Garden orb was a little miffed that I rudely interupted web-building for the night's hunt. I really like the camouflage in this shot.

This one was showing off! There was a bit of a breeze and the spider was swinging back and forth, ergo the slight focus malfunction, but I thought it was pretty cute!

I think this is Holconia sp taking advantage of a mobile fly magnet!

Correction: Probably Isopeda leishmanni

Bulldog!

2008-04-17T09:20:00.004+10:00

I quite often see solitary bull ants wandering around at night, usually after a bit of rain.

This one was heading up the wall, about to tap on my back door, I suspect! (Or maybe it was just attracted by the light!)

No display of aggression as I moved in close for this photo and least 3cm in length.

They are fearsome, no doubt about it.

Myrmecia pyriformis