Ferruginous Anthelid Moth
Common NameFerruginous Anthelid Moth
Scientific NameAnthela ferruginosa
FamilyAnthelidae
SubfamilyAnthelinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatForests, woodlands, heathlands, suburban gardens
Geographic RangeEastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania)
Host PlantsEucalyptus, Acacia, Lomandra, grasses
Flight PeriodSeptember to April
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are hairy caterpillars that feed on various plants and can cause skin irritation. They pupate in a cocoon, and the adults are typically nocturnal and short-lived.
Identification TipsLook for its robust, furry reddish-brown body and wings, the distinct dark discal spot, and the row of submarginal spots on the forewings. Males have prominent bipectinate antennae.
Description
This is a medium-sized, robust moth with a furry, reddish-brown body and wings. Its forewings display a prominent dark discal spot and a row of smaller dark spots along the submarginal area, often with faint darker transverse lines.
