Lily Caterpillar Moth
Spodoptera picta
-27.4493, 153.101
Field Notes
Description:
The Lily Caterpillar Moth belongs to the family Noctuidae, and is found in the oriental region of India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and Philippines. Approx. 30mm in length, and wingspan approx. 40mm. The forewings are buff white with a pattern of red and black markings. The hindwings are plain buff coloured, and the body is brown. Forelegs are very fluffy. It is a very attractive moth. See links for caterpillar images. They grow to a length of about 50mm.
Habitat:
Spotted on my car during daylight hours. Car park area floodlit at night. Wetland area nearby. The larvae feed on Crinum asiaticum, Crinum pedonculatum, Clivea miniata, Hymenocallis littoralis, and Hippeastrum species. They pupate with no cocoon in the soil near the food plant. Common in NSW and QLD.
Notes:
Many thanks to PN Rangers Leuba Ridgway and Mark Ridgway for the spotting ID.
Comments (2)