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Mottled Cup Moth (♂)

Doratifera vulnerans

Description:

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.

Habitat:

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.

Notes:

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...

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14 Comments

joshuaknutson
joshuaknutson 11 years ago

Nice photo

Leuba Ridgway
Leuba Ridgway 11 years ago

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.

Mark Ridgway
Mark Ridgway 11 years ago

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.

MartinL
MartinL 11 years ago

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.

Wild Things
Wild Things 11 years ago

Great spotting and info!

AgnesAdiqueTalavera
AgnesAdiqueTalavera 11 years ago

Congratulations Argy Bee!

DanielePralong
DanielePralong 11 years ago

Beautiful in all its forms!

ceherzog
ceherzog 11 years ago

Fantastic! The larva was very cool. You must feel a bit like a proud papa.

Mark Ridgway
Mark Ridgway 11 years ago

Thanks Yuko. Chun the only sibling left intact is with martinl. The others got attacked by something.

YukoChartraw
YukoChartraw 11 years ago

So cute <3

ChunXingWong
ChunXingWong 11 years ago

6 months is really a long time.
Are his siblings out yet ?

Mark Ridgway
Mark Ridgway 11 years ago

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.

Jacob Gorneau
Jacob Gorneau 11 years ago

Amazing spotting! I love the pinkish shimmer!

Mark Ridgway
Mark Ridgway 11 years ago

Martinl please check your cup !?

Mark Ridgway
Spotted by
Mark Ridgway

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Spotted on Oct 18, 2012
Submitted on Oct 18, 2012

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