Musotima nitidalis (Walker, 1866)
(one synonym is : Diathaustra timaralis R. Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875)
 MUSOTIMINAE   ,     CRAMBIDAE

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

Musotima nitidalis
(Photo: courtesy of Laura Levens, Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria)

The caterpillars of this species are pale green with a transparent skin. They live in a sparse web, feeding on the undersides of the leaves of various Ferns ( POLYPODIOPHYTA ) including:

  • Maidenhair Fern ( Adiantum aethiopicum ), and
  • Bracken ( Pteridium esculentum ).

    The pupa is formed in a folded foodplant leaf, held folded by strands of white silk.

    Musotima nitidalis
    beginning to unroll its proboscis
    (Photo: courtesy of Laura Levens, Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria)

    The adult moths of this species are brown with various white markings outlined in black on each forewing. The hindwings are mainly white, with brown margins. The wingspan is about 2.5 cms.

    Musotima nitidalis
    with proboscis extended
    (Photo: courtesy of Laura Levens, Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria)

    The species has been found in :

  • New Zealand,
    and over much of Australia, including:
  • Western Australia,
  • South Australia,
  • Tasmania,
  • Victoria,
  • New South Wales, and
  • Queensland.

    Musotima nitidalis
    underside
    (Photo: courtesy of Laura Levens, Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria)

    Further reading :

    Ian F.B. Common,
    Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, p. 352.

    previous
    back
    caterpillar
    Australian
    Australian Butterflies
    butterflies
    Australian
    home
    caterpillars
    Australian
    Australian Moths
    moths
    next
    next
    caterpillar

    (updated 8 September 2011)