Phyllodes imperialis
| Phyllodes imperialis | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Superfamily: | Noctuoidea |
| Family: | Erebidae |
| Genus: | Phyllodes |
| Species: | P. imperialis
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| Binomial name | |
| Phyllodes imperialis H. Druce, 1888
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| Synonyms | |
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Phyllodes imperialis, the imperial fruit-sucking moth or pink underwing moth, is a
Description
The wingspan is 130–170 millimetres (5.1–6.7 in). The "leaf-shaped" forewings are grey-brown and show a distinctive white or yellow marking which varies somewhat among populations. The ventral side of the forewing has a discal, dark-brown patch containing three white spots. The hindwings are dark brown to black with a large central pink patch extending to the inner margin, to which the common name "pink underwing moth" refers.
Early instars of the caterpillar are dull brown, but green individuals are also observed. Mature caterpillars are dark brown to reddish brown and show large eyespots. These are composed of a black pupil surrounded by a blue, then yellow ring. Between and below the eyespots are white markings, often described as looking like teeth, and resemble the teeth from a cartoon skeleton.[1]
Subspecies
The following subspecies are known:[2]
- Phyllodes imperialis imperialis from the Solomon Islands
- Phyllodes imperialis dealbata from New Caledonia and Vanuatu
- Phyllodes imperialis meyricki from the north of Australia and Papua New Guinea
- Phyllodes imperialis smithersi from the southeast of Queensland and the northeast of New South Wales
Food plants
The larvae feed on Menispermaceae species, including Carronia multisepala and Pycnarrhena australiana.
Gallery
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Female, dorsal view -
Female, ventral view -
Male, ventral view
References
- ^ Video of the caterpillar on YouTube.
- ^ Sands, Donald P. A. (2012). "Review of Australian Phyllodes imperialis Druce (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) With Description of a New Subspecies from Subtropical Australia". Australian Entomologist. 39 (4): 281–292.
Literature
- Druce, H. (1888). "Descriptions of new species of Lepidoptera". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. (6): 234–242.
External links
- Caterpillar Eyespots – blog
- "Pink Underwing Moth: Rarity found on a Land for Wildlife property" – Land for Wildlife
- Searching for the southern pink underwing moth - New South Wales government notice