In a recent post, this batch of anonymous eggs discovered on a glaucous leaf of the garden Omeo Gum, Eucalyptus neglecta, was featured.
They were subsequently identified on Twitter by entomologist and Associate Professor Martin J Steinbauer, who had researched the species, Mnesampela privata, and its preferred foliage on which to lay. Here is a link to the very interesting findings. A watch on the eggs was meant to be kept, but unfortunately the hatching was missed, here are two shots showing the empty eggs and where the hatchlings have been feeding.
Further examination of the foliage resulted in four more batches of these tiny .5 mm eggs being found, including this one, about which Martin commented “Interesting… Clear eggs = hatched, pale green = infertile, black eggs = parasitised and others = yet to hatch. Suggests good parasitoid activity” The newly hatched larvae can be seen starting to feed on the surface of the leaf.
A visit was then made to Don Herbison-Evans’ excellent site, where further information and identification details are documented. The id details of brown heads and two yellow dots can just be made out on these first instars. The moth light and sheet were rigged on a good night in the hope of seeing the adult moth, and at 9.30 PM a rather tattered female duly arrived.
A male also came in but was too elusive to be photographed. Although one can’t be sure that this is the female that laid the eggs it is more than likely, and as a reward for her hard work some plastic surgery has been performed on her wings to restore her to her full glory…..
Many thanks to Associate Professor Steinbauer for his help and information.
Click images to enlarge.
