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Doratifera vulnerans
Exactly seven months after watching this little guy and his siblings wrap himself into beautiful silk cups, he has finally emerged with a new purpose in life. He is about 30mm long and very furry with beautiful tones of copper, bronze, cream and brown. Feathery antennae but no labial palps or other visible mouth parts.
Originally on eucalyptus in suburban garden but because his siblings were raided by some unknown predator http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/104... this one was brought inside the house for winter.
The spectacular caterpillar which turned into this moth can be seen feeding here http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/964... and building it's cup here http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/983... Although I didn't notice it actually leaving the cup I maust have been there within minutes to see him fly off towards the light. I particularly like the rectangular net pattern these have on their forewings. It's hard to imagine why nature might evolve such a pattern - squares seem so 'unnatural' on the big scale. Also known as 'Chinese junk' and 'Mottled cupmoth" more info can be found here http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_... http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/forestry/forest...
14 Comments
Nice photo
What a fantastic experience ! so pleased for you argybee. His wings always remind me of a peanut shell -he's left behind a lot of mess hasn't he ?. Anyway, this demonstrates how wonderful nature is... will have to wait for Martin's.
Thanks for the comments everyone. Martin I guess I would still need to find a pair mating and follow some eggs to complete this circle - but wouldn't that be wonderful.
It's always satisfying to see the life cycle completed.
I saw one emerge last year http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/796...
Mine is not out yet but watch this space, I guess.
Great spotting and info!
Congratulations Argy Bee!
Beautiful in all its forms!
Fantastic! The larva was very cool. You must feel a bit like a proud papa.
Thanks Yuko. Chun the only sibling left intact is with martinl. The others got attacked by something.
So cute <3
6 months is really a long time.
Are his siblings out yet ?
Thanks J. I was just beginning to think this one was a gonner then got woken in the middle of the night by a fluttering sound. :))) Thanks for the favourites kf4daw and Keith.
Amazing spotting! I love the pinkish shimmer!
Martinl please check your cup !?