Neumichtis nigerrima (Guenee, 1852)
(previously known as : Syntheta nigerrima)
Black Noctuid
 AMPHIPYRINAE ,  NOCTUIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

(updated 28 May 2009)


(Photo: courtesy of the Macleay Museum, University of Sydney)

This Caterpillar is initially green, and later becomes brown, but always has two bright yellow spots on the last abdominal segment. It is an agricultural pest, attacking

  • Turnips ( Brassica rapa, BRASSICACEAE ),
  • Sugar Beet ( Beta vulgaris, CHENOPODIACEAE ),
  • Potato ( Solanum tuberosum, SOLANACEAE).
  • Clover ( Trifolium, FABACEAE ), and
  • Grass pasture ( POACEAE ).


    dark specimen
    (Photo: courtesy of Laura Levens, Victoria)

    The forewings of the adult moth vary from dark brown to black. On the paler specimens, a pattern of light and dark brown may be discernible. The hind wings pale with wide black borders. It has a wingspan of about 4 cms.


    pale specimen (Photo: courtesy of the Macleay Museum, University of Sydney)

    The species occurs across Australia, including:

  • New South Wales,
  • Queensland,
  • Tasmania, and
  • Western Australia.


    (Specimen: courtesy of the Macleay Museum, University of Sydney)

    Further reading :

    David Carter,
    Butterflies and Moths, Collins Eyewitness Handbooks, Sydney 1992, p. 258.

    Ian F.B. Common,
    Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, pp. 65, 461, 465, 467.

    Pat and Mike Coupar,
    Flying Colours, New South Wales University Press, Sydney 1992, p. 76.

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