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Twisted Moth

Circopetes obtusata

Photo by AnneW
Published on Project Noah
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-37.7575, 145.35

Field Notes

Description:

An amazing moth that looks like a gum leaf. I have not seen anything like it before.

Species ID Suggestions

Bright twisted moth

Parepisparis lutosaria

Reference Link
Mark Ridgway
1

Twisted Moth

Circopetes obtusata

Reference Link
MartinL
2

Comments (8)
Mark Ridgway
Hi Anne.. the name you have is for the 'Grey twisted moth' where this one is the 'Bright twisted moth'
Leuba Ridgway
What an interesting moth and interesting information - thanks !
AnneW
Hi Martin, thank you for the ID! It's really interesting to learn more about it. It was the first time I've seen a twisted moth, in fact my brothers saw it and called me to photograph it. Ever since they saw a big emperor gum moth, they've become great moth spotters! :)
MartinL
Hello AnneW This is a twisted Moth. I've seen one before. They typically hold their body at an angle off centre. Presumably non symmetry is useful to help them look more like a random dead gumleaf and not a tasty meal. Moths of Australia. Melb Uni Press. I.F.B.Common Pg.123 Fig1. BTW What a superb photograph!

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Butterflies & Moths of the World
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Moths of the World
Photographed
PublishedNovember 5, 2011

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