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Epicoma melanospila
about 2cm length. The white in the upper wings looks almost painted on. There is a black mark on each fore-wing. Grey furry head and thorax. yellow and black edging on the wings. Underside is yellow and black with a fluffy white rear end of the abdomen. Yellow dots, or is it spots, all down the body beneath the wings
This moth played dead for the entire photo shoot. You would think that convenient but it means that the natural stance of the moth is replaced by the 'foetal slump'. Found in a coastal suburban garden on a Clivea leaf near driveway lights
I am certain it is Epicoma genus but not 100% that it is E.melanospila as there is yellow next to the black spots. Thanks to Marini for the final identification and check out his excellent series of images on this species http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/790...
Spotted on Oct 22, 2013
Submitted on Oct 22, 2013
5 Comments
I added your link to the comments. Thanks Martini
Stephen, here is a link to another moth in its relaxed posture.
I agree with your ID
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/790...
When I placed it back in the garden it snaked out a foot to cling to the plant I placed on immediately but retained the rest of its stance until I had gone. Probably just minutes
Excellent colour. It would be great to see one not playing dead. Don't suppose you noticed how long it stayed down?
That was easy. Identified!