Skip to main content
Close

Albizia Defoliator Noctuid Moth

Rhesala sp.

Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

14.33, 121.09

Field Notes

Description:

Brown moth, about 12-13mm in length (from tip of snout to tip of abdomen).

Rhesala Walker, 1858, of family Noctuidae, subfamily Calpinae.

The spotting looks a lot like Rhesala imparata Walker, 1858, an Albizia defoliator, although I could not find any Philippine record of this species. Another species, Rhesala moestalis (Walker, 1866) is found in Southeast Asia (accdg to Wikipedia).

Rhesala moestalis is found throughout subtropical Africa, from Sierra Leone in the west to Somalia in the east and South Africa in the south. It is also found on most of the African Indian Ocean islands, and in South and Southeast Asia. They have a wingspan of 14-20mm. The larvae feed on Fabaceae species, such as Acacia mellifera, Acacia tortilis and Albizia lebbeck. In India they have been recorded as a pest of nursery and young shade trees in tea plantations with a preference for Albizia odoratissima, Albizia procera, and Albizia lebbeck.

Habitat:

Backyard, spotted on the underside of a Heliconia leaf.

Species ID Suggestions

-

Rhesala sp.

Comments (1)

Thank you Mike24 for the ID. Sorry, I did not see at once your suggestion.

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon