Scoliacma bicolora (Boisduval, 1832)
Red Footman
(one synonym : Lithosia rubrata)
 LITHOSIINAE ,   ARCTIIDAE

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

Scoliacma bicolora
(Specimen: courtesy of the Macleay Museum, University of Sydney)

This Caterpillar has been observed feeding on :

  • Liverworts ( MARCHANTIOPHYTA ),
  • Mosses ( Pottia species, POTTIACEAE ), and
  • Lichens ( MYCOPHYCOPHYTA ).

    Scoliacma bicolora
    (Photo: courtesy of Laura Levens, Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria)

    The adult moth is half scarlet and half black. It has a wingspan of about 2.5 cms.

    Scoliacma bicolora
    (Photo: courtesy of Laura Levens, Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria)

    The species is found in

  • Papua,
    and over most of Australia, including :

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

    Further reading :

    Ian F.B. Common,
    Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, pls. 18.21, 31.7, p. 438.

    Peter Marriott,
    Moths of Victoria: Vol 2: ARCTIIDAE AND ITS ALLIES,
    Entomological Society of Victoria, 2009, pp. 20-21, 26-27.

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    (updated 25 February 2010)