The Caterpillar grows to a length of about 3 cms. When fully grown, the Caterpillar wanders about for several days before pupating in a crevice or in the soil.

Female: wingspan 3 cms.
(Specimen: courtesy of the Macleay Museum, University of Sydney)

The forewings of the adult moths are black with white markings, and the hind wings are orange with a black margin. The abdomen is orange on top and black underneath.

Male: wingspan 2.5 cms.
(Specimen: courtesy of the The Australian Museum)

The males claim to fame is having curved transparent 'window' in each forewing. They also make a clicking-whistling sound when flying. This is made in flight by a ribbed area on the forewing rubbing against a small protrusion. The noise is probably used to attract females.

Male
(Photo: courtesy of Amanda Foxley-Deschamps, Launceston)

This species occurs over the south-eastern quarter of Australia, including

Male
(Photo: courtesy of Merlin Crossley, Melbourne)

Further reading :

Ian F.B. Common,
Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, pl. 22.22, pp. 50, 464.

Pat and Mike Coupar,
Flying Colours, New South Wales University Press, Sydney 1992, p. 71.

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(updated 26 October 2011)