Joseph's Coat Moth
Common NameJoseph's Coat Moth
Scientific NameAgarista agricola
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAgaristinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, white, blue, red
HabitatOpen forests, woodlands, gardens, urban areas
Geographic RangeEastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales)
Host PlantsVitis vinifera, Cissus antarctica, Ampelopsis
Flight PeriodSeptember to April (warmer months in Australia)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are black with yellow bands and feed on grapevines and other native vines before pupating.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its striking black, yellow, blue, and red pattern, particularly the red patch on the hindwing and the creamy white thorax. It is active during the day, unlike many moths.
Description
A vibrant day-flying moth with a black body and wings, featuring a creamy white thorax, bright yellow-orange spots on the forewings, a metallic blue band across the hindwings, and a prominent red patch near the hindwing base.
