Winter Moths #1.

The low temperatures of winter certainly suppress moth activity, but  it is still worth shining the light for the species that are on the wing in the colder months. Gastrinodes argoplaca, (Boarmiinae) is much more plentiful in the warmer months, but can still be seen at the present time. Male and female came to the light recently. All moths in these posts are from the garden which has many eucalypts and a varied collection of native shrubs.

The Cryptic Bark Moth, male.

Female.

A welcome sight at the light was an old friend, Fisera belidearia, (Nacophorini).  A female came in on one occasion followed by two males a few nights later. The winter months are their main flight times.

The Two-toned Crest-moth, female.

Males.

Sorama bicolor, (Notodontidae) also flies for the whole year and can appear in winter. This individual decided to walk up the sheet with its wings spread a little, giving a different view to the usual folded wing pose.

The Two-coloured Notodontid, male.

To be continued, click to enlarge.

Autumn #6.

A final garden session for autumn saw a small number of moths come into the light. Just three Plesanemma fucata arrived, including this nice male displaying his antennae.

An early arrival was a female Trichiocercus sparshalli, (Notodontidae)

One Hepialid came in, Oxycanus australis, a first record.

Epyaxa subidaria, (Larentiinae) may be encountered throughout the year, it will often perch with its wings closed as this male is doing.

Wings spread.

Epyaxa sodaliata is much less common.

A few Noctuids were about including this Dasygaster padockina, (Hadeninae)

Small moths were scarce, one Tortricid was photographed, Acropolitis rudisana.

Horizontal images will enlarge.