Anthela denticulata

Anthela denticulata (Newman, 1856)
(previously known as: Teara denticulata)
ANTHELIDAE

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

(updated 29 June 2004)

white form
(Photo: courtesy of Merlin Crossley)

This is a hairy Caterpillar with variable coloring. In Melbourne it has been found varying in colour from black and white to black and red.

red form
(Photo: courtesy of Merlin Crossley)

It feeds on :

various Grasses ( POACEAE ),

and grows to a length of about 4 cms.

It pupates in a buff papery double-walled cocoon at ground level.

The adult moths are black with wavy white lines, and two white spots near each anterior margin. The hind wings are white, edged with black. During courtship, the males open and close their wings, exposing the white hind wings in a spectacular display.

(Photo: courtesy of Merlin Crossley)

The adults are superficially similar to those of Anthela basigera and Anthela oressarcha, but the three species occur in three different areas of the country:

Anthela denticulata which occurs in southern Victoria,

Anthela oressarcha which comes from the mountain areas of southern New South Wales, and

Anthela basigera which is found in South Australia.