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Project Noah Nature School
Doratifera vulnerans
The pupal case of the cupmoth would appear to be a mimic of the gumnuts (seed capsules) of the eucalyptus tree on which they fed. The lower specimen has emerged already as indicated by the missing cap. This cup like remnant gives this species its name. The upper pupa has been parasitized and will not ever emerge.
Spotted on Feb 23, 2013
Submitted on Feb 23, 2013
5 Comments
Thanks Argy bee. Thanks Maria.
Very educational spotting!
I collected some potential candidates some where... must check my containers :)
Thanks AB. I think the gumnuts are actually two years old and looking quite rough. I wonder if there are species with deeper gumnuts that make a closer match.
Good comparison.