I have noticed several of these moths on my bushwalks lately and in my garden in Creswick. Can you tell me what it is?
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C.B., Creswick.
This is a grapevine moth, a native insect that can be a pest on grapevines and a few other plants. It looks like a butterfly, and also flies during the day. Its wingspan is about 50mm. As well as the distinctive black and white wing colour, it has orange tufts of hair on its legs and an orange tip to its black abdomen. The abdomen has orange stripes underneath.
Found mostly in and around gardens and lightly timbered country, it’s an insect of summer and autumn. Its fleshy caterpillars are chequered black and white. Other foods for its caterpillars include some of the native willow herbs, as well as Virginia creeper and fuchsia.
- Questions and photos are welcome. Send to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au