White Banded Noctuid Moth
Donuca orbigera (syn. Calliodes orbigera)
-27.4492, 153.101
Field Notes
Description:
Donuca orbigera, commonly known as the "white banded noctuid moth", is a reasonably large moth with a wingspan of about 5 cms. This species is a member of the Noctuidae family of moths, and is an Australian native. The pattern on this moth's wings is striking, with two eye-spots and teeth pattern on the upper side of the wings, resembling a big-mouth predator. Up or down, the face looks scary either way, and hopefully enough to deter any potential predator like a bat or a bird. The abdomen is bright orange and the bottom side of the wings a brownish-yellow colour.
Habitat:
Spotted at a building entrance, Metroplex on Gateway estate, Murarrie, Brisbane. This particular location is well-lit at night, and the light brings in the insects. The species is found in the northern parts of Australia.
Notes:
A very similar species is Donuca rubropicta, also commonly known as the "white banded noctuid moth".
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