
Helena gum moth - Opodiphthera helena
Source: Wikipedia: The emperor gum moth does not feed after it emerges from the cocoon, relying solely on the energy it stored as a caterpillar. Their adult life span is limited to a couple of weeks in which they mate, lay eggs and die. The moths, like the caterpillars, are very striking in appearance. The emperor gum moth is a very large moth, having a wingspan of 120 to 150 mm. Females are generally larger than males. The furry wings and body are multi-colored, but are in overall tones of pale reddish/brown. The wings are decorated with four prominent ‘eyes’ and various other markings in a symmetrical formation. The antennae of the males are feathery, while the females' are thinner and with fewer hairs.
The Helena gum moth is a moth in the family Saturniidae. It is found along the eastern coast of Australia.
The wingspan is 130-170 mm. The larvae feed on ''Eucalyptus'' species.
comments (2)
http://www.natureofgippsland.org/mothing/2016/07/27/the-emperors/
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/68135-Opodiphthera-eucalypti
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/480025-Opodiphthera-helena Posted one year ago