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Donuca orbigera (syn. Calliodes orbigera)
Donuca orbigera, commonly known as the "white banded noctuid moth", is a reasonably large moth with a wingspan of about 5 cms. This species is a member of the Noctuidae family of moths, and is an Australian native. The pattern on this moth's wings is striking, with two eye-spots and teeth pattern on the upper side of the wings, resembling a big-mouth predator. Up or down, the face looks scary either way, and hopefully enough to deter any potential predator like a bat or a bird. The abdomen is bright orange and the bottom side of the wings a brownish-yellow colour.
Spotted at a building entrance, Metroplex on Gateway estate, Murarrie, Brisbane. This particular location is well-lit at night, and the light brings in the insects. The species is found in the northern parts of Australia.
A very similar species is Donuca rubropicta, also commonly known as the "white banded noctuid moth".
Spotted on Mar 6, 2020
Submitted on Mar 9, 2020
8 Comments
Thanks, Saturniidae27. Fascinating species. This was my first encounter with Donuca orbigera.
Very nice spotting Neil. I have seen so many of the Spirama retorta, when I go to India in monsoon season, also following many other moths in the family of erebidae.
I had to look that one up... and found Spirama retorta, the Indian owlet-moth. Looks so similar, but in a totally different family group. Uncanny!
It reminds me of the Spirama species we have here in Bengal.
Thanks, Sukanya. Yes, it is, and it was my first encounter with this species as well.
Lovely.
It's still pretty warm up here so the moths and butterflies are out and about. Prior to this spotting, I'd never seen one of these before. Quite striking!
What a beauty. One we don't get down south.