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Project Noah Nature School
Abantiades labyrinthicus
A large moth with a wing span of 120mm. Wings were slightly tented up, a deep rich brown with delicate filigree-like patterns along the inner margins and a pair of white slashes on each fore-wing. Hind wings were plain and a peachy-brown colour. Thorax and legs were covered with dense velvety pinkish-grey setae. Antennae were feathery. Abdomen was also covered with dense setae.
Spotted fluttering under bright lights in a used car yard.
An exciting find ! This beautiful moth is a male. Females do not appear to have the distinct white slashes on the wings and, are much larger ( wingspan 160mm) A hepialid moth, it's larvae are said to feed on tree roots. http://www1.ala.org.au/gallery2/v/Hepial...
Spotted on Jan 28, 2013
Submitted on Jan 29, 2013
12 Comments
Suggestion that this could be Trictena atripalpis with tripectinate antennae (male). Awaiting confirmation.
Flight period:
T.atripalpis : April - June
A. labyrinthicus : December -March ( peak Feb)
Thanks Luis and Cindy
Great series Leuba!
Amazing pattern and red eyes! Great spotting, Leuba!
...for J :)
Added a photo... :)
very nice!
You're welcome J and thanks Gilma !. I too love and was intrigued by the intricate patterns along the inner margin - like Maori face paint - the moko !!. It looked primitive and beautiful.
I hope he found a mate instead of hanging around the bright lights...
Great find ! These are unusual and 'primitive' moths. This one has fabulous clear and strong markings which they seem to lose far too easily before dying. Hope it achieves it's purpose soon. :)
NIce looking moth, beautiful pattern on the wings.
I especially like the patterns on the inside of the forewing.
What an amazing, awesome moth! I love this one so much! Thanks for sharing!!!!