Insects of New Junction - Carthaeid moth lava (Carthaea saturnioides)

The dryandra moth  is a species of moth that is considered to be the sole member of the family Carthaeidae. A relative of silk moths and emperor moths, this species from south-western Australian is placed in a family of its own (Carthaeidae). Adults have a wing-span of 7.6-10.0 cm and are in flight during October to December. The larvae feed on proteaceous shrubs such as Dryandra , Banksia and Grevillea .

The common name is derived from the Dryandra shrubs of the genus Banksia, on which the larva of this species feed, and is hence restricted to the south-west of Western Australia where these shrubs grow

The adults fly only at night, from October to December. When disturbed, adult moths tend to lower the head and abdomen, bringing the forewings forward to expose the large spots on the hindwings, which oscillate from side to side, giving the aggressor the impression that it is being watched by two large eyes (such as an owl), in an attempt to cause the aggressor to refrain from attacking.

Image: Jie Yu