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Clouded Footman ( Anestia ombrophanes) Three clouded footman males were seen fluttering around for awhile before settling on a door frame. On closer inspection I could see one of them was successful in finding and mating with a wingless female seen here as a furry white ovoid shape with thin black bands and pale orange spots along the sides. The males were of two sizes and had distinctly pectinated antennae. The mating male can be seen head pointing downwards. Beside the female was a hairy cocoon and an empty pupal case probably recently vacated by the female. Within the hairy cage was also small wrinkled piece of skin shed by the caterpillar before pupating.<br />
 Anestia ombrophanes,Australia,Fall,Geotagged Click/tap to enlarge Promoted

Clouded Footman ( Anestia ombrophanes)

Three clouded footman males were seen fluttering around for awhile before settling on a door frame. On closer inspection I could see one of them was successful in finding and mating with a wingless female seen here as a furry white ovoid shape with thin black bands and pale orange spots along the sides. The males were of two sizes and had distinctly pectinated antennae. The mating male can be seen head pointing downwards. Beside the female was a hairy cocoon and an empty pupal case probably recently vacated by the female. Within the hairy cage was also small wrinkled piece of skin shed by the caterpillar before pupating.

    comments (4)

  1. Absolutely fascinating these cages, nice find! Posted 8 years ago
    1. Aren't the cages amazing ? Mark & I have our own theories as to how they are made but we need to do some research...I would love to see the process someday. The long hairs come off the caterpillar.
      My next post shows the female a little better.
      Posted 8 years ago
      1. Yes, they are! Not sure if you remember, but a few years ago, this image took the internet by storm:
        http://cdn.zmescience.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/fence-1.jpg

        A mysterious cage-like nest made by an insect. Actually, a spider it turned out.
        Posted 8 years ago
        1. Yes that was a good puzzle for quite a while. Wonderful geometry. Posted 8 years ago

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The Clouded Footman is a moth of the Arctiidae family. It is known from the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria.

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies
Species identified by Leuba Ridgway
View Leuba Ridgway's profile

By Leuba Ridgway

All rights reserved
Uploaded Apr 9, 2017. Captured Apr 9, 2017 11:00 in 13 Rose St, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Australia.
  • SZ-10
  • f/10.1
  • 10/600s
  • ISO100
  • 6.78mm