Skip to main content
Close

Black Spot Moth

Epicoma melanospila

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

-33.3817, 151.484

Field Notes

Description:

about 2cm length. The white in the upper wings looks almost painted on. There is a black mark on each fore-wing. Grey furry head and thorax. yellow and black edging on the wings. Underside is yellow and black with a fluffy white rear end of the abdomen. Yellow dots, or is it spots, all down the body beneath the wings

Habitat:

This moth played dead for the entire photo shoot. You would think that convenient but it means that the natural stance of the moth is replaced by the 'foetal slump'.

Found in a coastal suburban garden on a Clivea leaf near driveway lights

Notes:

I am certain it is Epicoma genus but not 100% that it is E.melanospila as there is yellow next to the black spots. Thanks to Marini for the final identification and check out his excellent series of images on this species http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7907312

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)

Stephen, here is a link to another moth in its relaxed posture. I agree with your ID http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7907312
When I placed it back in the garden it snaked out a foot to cling to the plant I placed on immediately but retained the rest of its stance until I had gone. Probably just minutes
Excellent colour. It would be great to see one not playing dead. Don't suppose you noticed how long it stayed down?

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