Margined Browntail Moth -male

Description:

This handsome tussock moth was a dark brown with pale brown patches and minute white flecks. The dark tuft of setae on its thorax had streaks of white. The white submarginal area had a jagged pattern of dark brown. Antennae were feathery and golden. Wing span is stated to be about 40 mm.

Habitat:

Spotted under bright lights near national park

Notes:

Its a pity I could not get shots of the tail ! The wings of the females are too small for flight. They are often attended straightaway by males as soon as they emerge. It is reported that the females are often observed with eggs still attached to them ( mixed with scales and anal tufts) and it is assumed that this is the reason for them being called "browntail moths" Family: Lymantridae