Wedge Footman Calamidia hirta (Walker, 1854)
Scientific name: Calamidia hirta
Alternative name/s:
Lichen moth
Lichen moth
Similar species:
Hesychopa chinoara
Hesychopa chinoara
Click to enlarge image
Lichen moth (Arctiidae: Lithosiinae) Calamidia hirta male
Image: David Britton
© Australian Museum
© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Calamidia
- Species
- hirta
- Subfamily
- Lithosiinae
- Family
- Arctiidae
- Super Family
- Noctuoidea
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Class
- Insecta
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
Introduction
This large lichen moth rolls its wings around its body in the "footman" style. It has a long north-south distribution on the east coast of Australia, and is also found on Lord Howe Island.
Lichen moth Calamidia hurta female NSW: 3km East of Wedderburn
Image: David Britton© Australian Museum
Identification
Males are unmistakable, with elongate forward-pointing labial palps which have a clubbed tip. Females lack the elongate labial palps, and have pale white forewings and cream hindwings. Females might be confused with the pale Hesychopa chionara, but H. chionara has an angular tip on the forewings which are rounded in C. hirta,
Distribution
South from Paluma/Atherton to Tasmania, also Lord Howe Island
Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia
Feeding and diet
Larvae probably feed on lichens
