Opodiphthera engaea (Turner, 1922)
(erroneously: Antheraea engea)
SATURNIIDAE

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

(updated 10 April 2009)

Opodiphthera engaea
female
(Photo: courtesy of Graeme Cocks, Townsville)

This Caterpillar feeds on :

  • various species of Mistletoe ( LORANTHACEAE ).

    The caterpillars pupate in cocoons, typically attached to the main stem of their foodplant.

    The adult moths can be any colour from dull yellow through to scarlet. Each wing has a single brown eyespot in the middle, and a diffuse brown line parallel to the outer margin. There is a pink and black spot at the apex of each forewing. The moth has a wingspan up to 8 cms.

    The species is found inland in :

  • Queensland, and
  • New South Wales
    in Australia.


    Further reading :

    Ian F.B. Common,
    Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, pl. 15.6, p. 406.


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