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| Pasture Day Moth | ||||||||||||||
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The Pasture Day Moth, Apina callisto (synonym Amazelo callisto), is, as its name implies, active during the day, making it unlike most other species in the Noctuidae family of moths. It is found in most southern areas of Australia, ranging from lower Queensland to Tasmania.
The Pasture Day Moth lays its eggs in pasture, and they hatch after heavy rains in early spring. When the larvae are fully grown, measuring about 60mm, they burrow down before becoming pupae. They have striking coloration, two yellow stripes run down their mottled-black back, interspersed with blue spots. Their bodies are covered with white spines. They feed on broad leaved plants, favoring Capeweed , Erodium , and Storksbill .
The adult moth’s wings are black with cream and chestnut markings, and have a wingspan of approximately 50mm. Its thorax is black and the abdomen is orange ringed with black.