The adult moths of this species are varied in their colours, from an earthy grey to rich deep green, with a complex pattern of zigzag lines. The beautiful green colour in life of some specimens usually quickly fades when the moth dies. The ones in the Museum collection in Melbourne are all yellowish and the one illustrated in Common is also quite faded. If exposed to the light this colour change occurs in a year, and no specimens over five years have retained the green colour. The moths are also richly textured with various tufts on the body. The termen of each hindwing is crennulate.

female
(Photo: copyright Peter Marriott)

The underside is pale brown, with a broad dark marginal band and a dark central spot on each wing.

underside
(Photo: courtesy of Jeff Keyes, Sportsman Creek Wildlife Refuge)

The species occurs along the east coast of Australia, including:

Victoria, where they are on the wing from November through to April in both rural and suburban situations, and where they often come to nocturnal lights.

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Further reading :

Ian F.B. Common,
Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, pls. 11.9, 27.1, p. 372.

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(updated 10 May 2011)