Category Archives: Lepidoptera

Gum Moth Mystery

Posted on by

Subtitle: Have you seen an Emperor gum moth lately?

Gum moths (Emperor gum moth and Helen gum moth) are large, iconic Australian insects. Anecdotal evidence suggests that gum moths are in decline in parts of their natural range. Are they in decline and what might be causing it?.

This video explores some of the theories that might explain the mystery. The video also describes the Emperor gum moth (Opodiphthera eucalypti) and the Helena gum moth (Opodiphthera helena), their life cycle and their distribution.

Have you seen gum moths or their caterpillars lately in your area? When was the last time you saw one? I look forward to your comments.

Kurrajong bag moth

Posted on by

My latest YouTube video. Kurrajong bag moth: Is it a pest?

The larvae of the Kurrajong bag moth (Dichocrosis clytusalis) create bag shelters from the leaves of Kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus) trees. The larvae also create bag shelters on the Illawarra flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) and the Queensland bottle tree (Brachychiton rupestris).

The Kurrajong bag moth may also be known as the Kurrajong leaf-tier and the Kurrajong leafroller. This native moth has extended its natural range down to the coast of Victoria.

In this video I discuss whether this insect is a pest. It’s a two part answer: yes and no!

I hope you enjoy this video. Please let me know what you think. BTW my plea for subscribers are for those that are watching my videos on YouTube. Blog subscribers please ignore it!

Caterpillars on my lime tree

Posted on by

My latest YouTube video: “Caterpillars on my lime tree – citrus butterfly 2022.”

Citrus butterfly larvae are quite common on citrus plants. There are couple of species involved: large citrus butterfly (Papilio aegus) – aka orchard swallowtail; and small citrus butterfly (Papilio anactus) – aka dainty swallowtail. They are both native butterfly species which breed on native as well as cultivated citrus. The species I get in my garden regularly  – usually on my lime tree – is the small citrus butterfly which is more correctly known as the dainty swallowtail.

I find the damage from their caterpillars, which grow to about 45 mm long, to be minor. I tolerate that damage because I like to have the native butterflies in my garden. This year the butterflies are under threat from a parasitic wasp. This is a tale of unusual connections and unintended consequences. I hope you enjoy the video.