Thallarcha phalarota
Common NameThallarcha phalarota
Scientific NameThallarcha phalarota
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Primary Colorscream, dark brown
HabitatDry sclerophyll forests, woodlands, heathlands
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania)
Host Plantslichens, algae
Flight PeriodSpring to Autumn
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are known to feed on lichens and algae found on rocks and tree trunks.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its small size and the unique, high-contrast mottled pattern of dark brown and cream/white on the forewings, which helps distinguish it from other *Thallarcha* species.
Description
A small moth with forewings featuring a distinctive mottled pattern of irregular dark brown patches on a pale cream or whitish background. The head and thorax are also mottled with similar colors.
