The Omeo Gum, Eucalyptus neglecta is a fairly rare species, and Flora of Victoria notes that the crown of mature trees is predominately of juvenile leaves, with some intermediate and adult leaves. For over forty years one has been growing quietly in the garden, never having much attention  paid to it, until moths and other invertebrates became the main camera subjects. The juvenile leaves are tender and glaucous, attractive to many leaf grazing insects, so now this old tree is no longer being neglected. Uraba lugens, the Gum-leaf Skeletoniser is a common moth in the garden, and the Omeo Gum is presently hosting some larvae.

While taking snaps, a small cluster about 10 mm diameter was noticed and photographed. When enlarged on the computer monitor it was apparent they were cup moth larvae, and a search suggests that they are larvae of Doratifera vulnerans, the Mottled Cup Moth, not long hatched.

Two days later they had spread out and were feeding and growing in size, they will be kept under observation and photographed as they develop.

And on a nearby leaf, something else, a batch of eggs.

Identity is completely unknown at this stage, we’ll be keeping watch.

Click to enlarge.

Continuing from the previous post, an unusual number of the small timber moth Tymbophora peltastis came in to the light, it was by far the most numerous small moth.

Proteuxoa sanguinipuncta can be abundant at times, this was a nice specimen.

Prorocopis euxantha was featured recently, this is another moth in the group,

The Chestnut Crest, Crioa hades.

A Notodontid, Epicoma contristis.

A beautiful small Oecophorid, the Golden Leaf Moth, Wingia aurata.

A Pyralid, Spectrotota fimbrialis.

And a Crambid, Achyra affinitalis.

Moths in the Anthela acuta complex have been missing in action for quite some time, so it was good to see two come in on this occasion.

Another small Crambid, Nacoleia rhoeoalis has been fairly common in the garden, here is a close up of its distinctive antennae.

Some images will enlarge.