#callopistria

[persephonaae]

I’m constantly making new friends at work!

[rattyexplores]

Some GIFs of this little guy.

[coolbugs]

Bug of the Day

I know I’ve posted photos of this species before, but, I mean, come on, LOOK AT THIS POSE!

(Callopistria mollissima - Pink-shaded Fern Moth)

[rattyexplores]

I’ve spoken about the larvae for this species before. Now, here’s the adult moth.

[rattyexplores]

Been wanting to ID this caterpillar for a very long time, but all I currently know is that it’s from the Callopistria genus (fern moths).

I’ve found this caterpillar feeding on a variety of different ferns. During the day, the caterpillar will hide in the black moss that covers the tree. At night, the caterpillar will be underneath the fern leaves.

This caterpillar has been found in Far-North Queensland, Australia.

[rattyexplores]

Golden afternoon.

Callopistria maillardi

30/05/21

[rattyexplores]

On Saturday I came home to a pleasant surprise.

Callopistria caterpillars! (C. maillardi)

The Callopistria genus of moths feed primarily on ferns during its larval stage, hence the name “Fern Moths”. The cutworm caterpillars (family Noctuidae) in the images above were found feeding on, what I presume, is leather leaf, one of the foodplants for this species (Other foodplants include: Maidenhair).

I have yet to photograph the adult moth, but you can see images of it here.

[coolbugs]

Bug of the Day

Please enjoy this adorkable Pink-shaded Fern Moth (Callopistria mollissima) from last May.