The animal finally became brown with yellow spots, and grew to a length of about 4 cms.

It pupated under the soil.

(Photo: courtesy of Trevor Jinks, North Burnett)

The fore wings of the adult moth vary from black to dark brown. With the lighter colour, a complex pattern can be discerned. In its natural posture, the hindwings are covered, and the tip of the abdomen is curled upward. If the moth is lying on its back, it can flip itself over using its abdomen.

The moths have satin grey hind wings with a dark border, and a wingspan of about 5 cms.

from Illustration 26 on Plate CLXXV of Hampson's Noctuidae of the British Museum, 1903-1913.
(Courtesy of Joe Kunkel, University of Massachusetts)

The species has been found around the west Pacific, including:

underside
(Photo: courtesy of Trevor Jinks, North Burnett)

Further reading :

Ian F.B. Common,
Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, fig 47.16, p. 456.

previous caterpillar

Australian butterflies

Australian caterpillars

Australian moths

next caterpillar

(updated 8 August 2011)