Herminiid Moth

Description:

This pale brown moth had a wing span of about 40 mm. It held its wings flat and antennae were swept back under the wings. The wings had across them, a bat-wing pattern made by a thin brown line, with small brown specks within the pattern. The submarginal area was bordered on the inside by a dark brown line and although the wings were damaged, a thin brown line can be seen along the trailing margins of each fore wing. The interesting feature about this moth was the velvety crest on the head, curving forward between pale green eyes (Pic 4). Could not discern any mouthparts.

Habitat:

Spotted in a nature reserve with native trees and plants.

Notes:

My thanks to Peter Marriott for the ID. He says that these moths are not often recorded in Victoria although they breed here. One synonym : Herminia delicata Family: Herminiidae