Helena Gum Moth
Common NameHelena Gum Moth
Scientific NameOpodiphthera helena
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)125
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black, yellow
HabitatEucalyptus forests, woodlands, suburban gardens
Geographic RangeEastern and Southern Australia
Host PlantsEucalyptus, Acacia, Lophostemon
Flight PeriodOctober to March (Southern Hemisphere)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large, green caterpillars with yellow spines, feeding on eucalyptus leaves. They pupate in a silken cocoon attached to host plants. Adults are nocturnal and do not feed.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, reddish-brown coloration, and the distinctive, multi-ringed eyespots on both forewings and hindwings, particularly the large black and yellow ones on the hindwings.
Description
A large, robust moth with rich reddish-brown wings. It features prominent, multi-ringed eyespots on all four wings, with smaller ones on the forewings and larger, more striking ones on the hindwings.
