Aka the Small Thistle Moth, (Choreutinae) the larvae of which have a liking for the foliage of the garden Xerochrysums. This year a plant germinated from a stray seed that had fallen beside the house wall, and it is now in flower.

While admiring it, a small movement caught the eye, and betrayed the tiny moth that flew up and secreted itself on a brick joint hoping to escape detection.

This caused an examination of the foliage, and sure enough…..

Further examination revealed the culprit.

Moth and larva images will enlarge.

A short session before a break in the weather with a relatively small number of moths in, but as usual, something of interest. Dysbatus MOV sp. (1) is the normal record at the home location, but on this occasion Dysbatus singularis also appeared.

Aporoctena MOV sp. (1) is a fairly new record at the home location but is now quite frequent.

The larvae of Maroga melanostigma (Xyloryctidae) gradually destroyed an Acacia floribunda over many years, there is now only a stump left however an adult still came into the light.

Larvae of Sparshall’s moth, Trichiocercus sparshalli (Notodontidae) have been numerous this spring with the Eucalyptus parramattensis a popular host tree.

An adult female flew up the sheet showing her brown tail tuft.

A Two-ribbed Footman, Palaeosia bicosta (Lithosiinae) was a nice arrival.

Several of these small Crambids came in, a Metasia species.

Most images will enlarge.