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Leaf mimic moth (Monoctenia falernaria) A leaf mimic in more than just appearance. <br />
Patterns on the wing resemble those of a dry and decomposing eucalyptus leaf as does the overall shape. <br />
The behaviour of the moth was even more leaf-like. Initially it was very high on a wall so I touched it with a long stick and instead of flying off it simply fell like a dead leaf to the litter below. It initially landed on it&#039;s back revealing similar colours but with 2 darker grey areas near the centre of the wings. <br />
Even when prodded it refused to attempt flight and would just flip over to lie still on top of the other leaves. <br />
Attracted to strong night lights at the local school.<br />
About 65mm wingspan.  Australia,Camouflage,Geotagged,Monoctenia falernaria,Oenochromidae,geometridae,mimicry Click/tap to enlarge Species introCountry intro

Leaf mimic moth (Monoctenia falernaria)

A leaf mimic in more than just appearance.
Patterns on the wing resemble those of a dry and decomposing eucalyptus leaf as does the overall shape.
The behaviour of the moth was even more leaf-like. Initially it was very high on a wall so I touched it with a long stick and instead of flying off it simply fell like a dead leaf to the litter below. It initially landed on it's back revealing similar colours but with 2 darker grey areas near the centre of the wings.
Even when prodded it refused to attempt flight and would just flip over to lie still on top of the other leaves.
Attracted to strong night lights at the local school.
About 65mm wingspan.

    comments (1)

  1. Fascinating, never knew that moths use a "play dead" strategy like you describe, very educational. Posted 9 years ago

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Monoctenia falernaria is a geometer moth in the Monoctenia genus.

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies
Species identified by Ferdy Christant
View Mark Ridgway's profile

By Mark Ridgway

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Uploaded Mar 4, 2016. Captured in LOT 26 Talaskia Rd, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Australia.