Lichen moth Click to enlarge image
Lichen moth (Arctiidae: Lithosiinae) Image: David Britton
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Castulo
    Species
    doubledayi
    Subfamily
    Lithosiinae
    Family
    Arctiidae
    Super Family
    Noctuoidea
    Order
    Lepidoptera
    Class
    Insecta
    Phylum
    Arthropoda
    Kingdom
    Animalia

Introduction

This larger species with contrasting black forewings and bright orange and black hindwings is found in cooler montane regions of SE and SW Australia.

Identification

The forewings are almost entirely black except for a short strip of orange along the base of the costa, and a small orange spot near the base. Pale and worn specimens might be confused with some Termessa species, but males have large antennal pectinations which are absent in Termessa. Castulo plagiata has extensive orange markings in the forewing.

Habitat

Montane eucalypt forests

Distribution

From TAS, south SA, north to Ebor (NSW), also southeast WA



Seasonality

These moths fly from mid to late autumn (March to May)

Feeding and diet

larvae probably feed on lichens