Dec 3, 2023
#2024 - Laspeyria hapalopis
Photo by Patrick Wake. One of the many moths attracted to the pup tent we were using as a light trap, despite the weather.
Also known as Soptha hapalopis. Most frequently found here in the SW of Australia, if the online records are to be believed. I don't have any information on foodplant. The genus has variously been included in the Catocalinae (Erebidae) or Calpinae (Noctuidae) and the best-known species Laspeyria flexula, the Beautiful Hook-tip is widespread in the Palearctic where the caterpillar either feeds on willow and aspen, according to Wikipedia, or on lichen, according to Tumblr. The caterpillars of both certainly look very like lichen.
