Southern Moon Moth
Common NameSouthern Moon Moth
Scientific NameErebus macrops
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)130
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, plantations
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, China)
Host PlantsAcacia, Albizia, Cassia, Dalbergia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates, with peaks in certain seasons
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe lifecycle involves eggs laid on host plants, stout larvae that are often camouflaged, and pupation in a cocoon, typically in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include its impressive size, the distinctive dark brown-grey cryptic coloration, and especially the large, owl-like eyespots on the forewings, which are encircled by concentric rings. The wavy lines and marginal white dots are also characteristic.
Description
This is a large, robust moth with broad, dark brown to grey wings, featuring prominent, black-ringed eyespots on the forewings and intricate wavy patterns across both sets of wings. The outer margins of the wings are adorned with a series of small white dots.
