Moths
 
Tiger Moths 
  
ARCTIIDAE
Arctiinae 
Magpie Moth
Heliotrope Moth
Donovan's Amsacta
Lithosiinae 
Tiger Lichen Moth
LittleWhiteLichenMoth
Bird-droppingLichenMoth
Ctenuchinae 
Black-headed Wasp Moth
OrangeHeadedWaspMoth
White Antenna Wasp Moth
OrangeShoulderWaspMoth
OrangeBackWaspMoth
 
AGANAIDAE
Two-spots Tiger Moth
Yellow Tiger Moth
 

                                               

Tiger Lichen Moth - Asura lydia

Family Aganaidae

This page contains pictures and information about Tiger Lichen Moths that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia.

Body length 20mm, Dec 2008, Karawatha Forest
 
Species in the subfamily LITHOSIINAE are commonly called Lichen Moth. They are black in colour with orange-yellow patterns.
 
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The caterpillars have dense hair, may be found under log or on ground. They feed on litter or lichens.
 
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Many tiger moths are looked similar in this shape and pattern, they are part of the Muellerian mimicry complex that includes wasps, files, beetles and moths. Most species in this complex are distasteful but some are eatable. 
 
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This moth is common in Brisbane bushes. 
 
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Feb 2008, Karawatha Forest
 
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Feb 2008, Karawatha Forest
 
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May 2008, Buhot Creek 
 

Reference:
1. Moths of Australia - Bernard D'Abrera, Lansdowne Press, Melbourne, 1974, p73.
2. Moths - family Arctiidaelifeunseen.com by Nick Monaghan, 2007.
3. Moths of Australia - I. F. B. Common, Melbourne University Press, 1990, plate31.3. 

 

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Last updated: April 08, 2009.