Metrocampa biplaga (Walker, 1869)
(also known as : Azelina biplaga)
 LITHININI ,   ENNOMINAE ,   GEOMETRIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
and
Cathy Young & Stella Crossley

Metrocampa biplaga
early instar
(Photo: copyright Cathy Young)

These caterpillars when young are green with black dots, sparse hairs, and a yellow head.

Metrocampa biplaga
late instar
(Photo: copyright Cathy Young)

Later instars develop red coloration around the head and thorax. They feed on :

  • Bracken ( Pteridium esculentum ( POLYPODIOPHYTA ).

    Metrocampa biplaga
    caterpillar head, magnified
    (Photo: copyright Cathy Young)

    The adult moth is orange-brown with a submarginal row of dark spots. and a dark spot or outlined circle near the centre of each forewing. The forewings have hooktips and a marginal cusp.

    Metrocampa biplaga
    (Photo: copyright Cathy Young)

    The eggs are spherical and white, developing red markings as hatching approaches.

    Metrocampa biplaga
    eggs, magnified
    (Photo: copyright Cathy Young)

    The species is found in

  • Tasmania,
  • South Australia,
  • Victoria, and
  • New South Wales.

    Further reading :

    Ian F.B. Common,
    Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, p. 366.

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    (updated 23 April 2011)