Moths (Lepidoptera)


Useful references:

In the notes provided about individual species, semi-technical terms are sometimes used.  They are briely explained below.

Labial palpi.  These are paired appendages extending from the lower part of the head, on either side of the proboscis.  They provide important information about the family of the moth.

Parts of a moth’s wing:

  Costa:  The leading edge of the wing

  Inner margin:  The trailing edge of the wing

  Termen:  The outer margin of the wing, connecting the costa to the inner margin

  Apex:  The leading tip of the wing, where the costa and termen meet

  Tornus:   The trailing corner of the wing, where the termen and inner margin meet

  Cilia.  Long hairy scales along an edge of the wing

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Discussion

Caric wrote:
1 min ago
That's very interesting. Do they need food of any kind because some species would have particular preferences wouldn't they? And temperature / humidity? The feral pest but beautiful Chrysodeixis I raised was in a box with leaf, lined with kitchen roll with leaf and on sunny window sill as it was winter.

Geometridae (family) IMMATURE
donhe wrote:
8 hrs ago
The death rate of caterpillars in the wild is above 99%. Leaving a caterpillar in the wild is a virtual death sentence. Also : there are published photos of the caterpillars of only 7% of Australia's moth species. You an help improve this sad state of affairs by taking caterpillars into protective custody, and rearing them to get the adult moth. All you need is a clean jar with a fabric top held by an elastic band.

Geometridae (family) IMMATURE
WendyEM wrote:
Yesterday
very badly worn

Lepidoscia (genus) ADULT
Caric wrote:
1 Sep 2025
Next time I find one I'll photograph from all angles!

Noctuidae (family)
Caric wrote:
1 Sep 2025
I'm afraid I won't be rearing this one - I found it while weeding native grassland so carefully put back where I found it!

Geometridae (family) IMMATURE
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