Night of the Big Moths

It is well known that after light rains in autumn, moths of the Hepialidae family emerge from their pupae underground and fly in coordinated masses. It is a spectacular sight made even more amazing when large moths of other species join the display. Last Thursday night was one such time.

Hepialidae moths, also known as Rain, Ghost or Swift moths, are some of the largest moths in Australia. They spend much of their lifecycle underground as caterpillars feeding on tree roots after which time they pupate, also underground. In Autumn after rain the adult moths emerge en masse leaving the characteristic pupal cases sticking half out of the ground [Click HERE for more information]. Last Thursday night moths of the genus Abantiades and Oxycanus, pictured, were putting on a display.

Joining them were White-stemmed Gum Moths or Bat-wing Moths (Chelepteryx collesi) pictured above. These are also large moths. Their caterpillars are the largest in Australia and feed on eucalypt leaves. Both the caterpillars and their cocoons are covered with highly irritating spines. Beware. [Click HERE for more information].

Strangely enough these large moths decided to rest on the verandah the next day. It must be tiring putting on a show.