Mothing - 27th October 2008

We had a very warm night last night. The temperature was still around 15 degrees at midnight. Unfortunately I couldn't leave the moth trap on all night as there was a risk of showers but a few did turn up before I hit the sack.

First up there were 3 Helena Gum moths which you can see below photographed on my assistants hand. These are all males so I won't be getting any eggs from these.

(Click to Enlarge all Photos)

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#1. Helena Gum Moths - Opodiphthera helena (Saturniidae)

Next up is a small Pyralid. This family often sits high on it's front legs with the antennae straight back along the body. The wings often for a triangular shape.

#2 - Unknown Pyralid (Pyralidae)

The migratory Bogong Moths have been appearing over the last 2 weeks. These generally spend the warmer months in the mountains, particularly around the Bogong High Plains in Victoria. However, many of them overshoot their destination and end up in Tasmania.

#3 - Bogong Moth - Agrotis infusa (Noctuidae : Noctuinae)

Two other Noctuids were in the trap. Like the Bogongs, these are both known to be migratory species.

#4 - Southern Armyworm - Persectania ewingii (Noctuidae : Hadeninae)


#5 - Native Budworm - Helicoverpa sp. probably: punctigera (Noctuidae : Heliothinae)

.....and of course there were plenty of insects other than moths. Carious beetles, flies, wasps etc including the two shown below.

#6 - A Lacewing - (Neuroptera)

#7 - An Ichneumon Wasp - (Hymenoptera : Ichneumonidae)

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