Granny's Cloak Moth
Common NameGranny's Cloak Moth
Scientific NameSpeiredonia spectans
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsbrown, purple, blue, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory), Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, Japan
Host PlantsAcacia mangium, Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, more seasonal in temperate zones
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs hatch into larvae (caterpillars) that feed on Acacia, then pupate before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, the distinctive purplish-brown coloration, and the prominent, blue-centered eyespots on the forewings. The wavy patterns and smaller blue spots on the hindwings are also characteristic.
Description
A large, robust moth with purplish-brown forewings featuring prominent, ringed eyespots with a blue center, and hindwings with wavy patterns and small blue spots.
