(one synonym is: Macaria apamaria)
MACARIINI , ENNOMINAE , GEOMETRIDAE
Don Herbison-Evans (
donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
and
Stella Crossley
&
Peter Marriott
(Photo: courtesy of
Catherine J. Young)
Don Herbison-Evans (
donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
and
Stella Crossley
&
Peter Marriott
(Photo: courtesy of
Catherine J. Young)
These Caterpillars are loopers, having most prolegs missing. Initially they are a dirty pale greenish-brown with pale lines on the body, and have a brown head. They have been found in Melbourne in January feeding on:
Later instars are a brighter green with white lines and have a green head. The Caterpillars typically rest at the tip of a branch where the green and white markings and slightly gnarled body match the foliage. They grow to a length of about 2.5 cms.
The adult can emerge after as little as nine days. The adult moths are dimorphic. The males are pinkish brown, with brown markings including a chestnut brown spot in the middle of each forewing.
The female has more scalloped wings, and has an interesting silver white pattern underneath the wings. The wingspan is about 3 cms.
The eggs are pale green and laid singly. They are oval and look squashed, and have a finely dimpled surface.
The species has been found in:
 caterpillar |
 butterflies |
 caterpillars |
 moths |
 caterpillar |
(updated 8 November 2011)