Emperor Gum Moth 22/12/14

Huge Emperor Gum Moth (Opodiphthera eucalypti) on the screen door at Jarowair 22/12/14.  It stayed for two days and then disappeared.  Due to it's beauty and size, it was spared from being a meal for our rehabilitating Tawny Frogmouth.  The Emperor Gum Moth is found in all states of Australia, but has apparently significantly declined in Victoria for some unknown reason. The Emperor Gum Moth adult does not feed once it has emerged from it's sturdy brown cocoon, relying on the energy it stored as a caterpillar to keep it alive.

J.G.

Emperor Gum Moth (Opodiphthera eucalypti)

Showing the large size of the Emperor Gum Moth (Opodiphthera eucalypti)

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