Opodiphthera astrophela (Walker, 1855)
(one synonym : Antheraea simplex)
SATURNIIDAE

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

(updated 22 January 2005)

These Caterpillars feed on :

  • Red Ash ( Alphitonia excelsa, RHAMNACEAE ),
  • Black Wattle ( Callicoma serratifolia, CUNONIACEAE ),
  • Crows Ash ( Flindersia australis, RUTACEAE ),
  • Cudgerie ( Flindersia schottiana, RUTACEAE ), and
  • Leopardwood ( Flindersia maculosa, RUTACEAE ).

    They pupate usually on plants growing below the food tree in a tough oval cocoon.


    (Specimen: courtesy of the The Australian Museum)

    The female and male adult moths differ: The males are yellow, and the females grey. Originally they were thought to be different species. Both sexes have a brown eyespot on each wing, as well as two dark lines across each fore wing, and a curved dark line across each hind wing. They have a wingspan of about 8 cms. The species is found in the eastern quarter of Australia.


    Further reading :

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


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