|
This moth was active during the day. It could be a Heliotrope Moth (U. pulchelloides) or a Salt and Pepper Moth (U. lotrix) - it is impossible to tell from these photos.
Photograph copyright: ozwildlife - all rights reserved. Used with permission.
|
|
|
HELIOTROPE MOTH FACTS |
Identification
The Heliotrope Moth is brightly coloured have white wings with red, brown and black spots and markings. It is active by day fluttering low over the ground like a small butterfly. The caterpillars are black with orange spots and broken cream lines along the body. Larvae contain poisonous alkaloids that deter predators from eating them
Other Names
Salt and Pepper Moth
Size
25mm
Food
They feed on plants from Boraginaceae family including Octopus Bush ( Argusia argentea ), Salvation Jane ( Echium plantagineum ), Heliotrope ( Heliotropium arborescens ).
Breeding
The eggs are pale green and laid in a row on a leaf tip
Classification
| Class: | Insecta | | Order: | Lepidoptera | | Family: | Arctiidae | | Genus: | Utetheisa | | Species: | pulchelloides | | Common Name: | Heliotrope Moth |
Relatives in same Genus
Salt and Pepper Moth (U. lotrix)
|
|
