Paralaea sarcodes

Paralaea sarcodes McQuillan, Young, & Richardson, 2001
Flesh-coloured Crest-moth
DIPTYCHINI, ENNOMINAE, GEOMETRIDAE, GEOMETROIDEA

Don Herbison-Evans,
(donherbisonevans@yahoo.com)
and
Cathy Byrne & Stella Crossley

male
(Photo: copyright Cathy Byrne)

These Caterpillars are green with fine reddish-purple dots, a white dorsal line, and a pinkish-purple head.

The caterpillars feed on the foliage of :

various Gum Trees ( Eucalyptus, MYRTACEAE ).

male: alert posture
(Photo: copyright Cathy Byrne)

Both sexes of adult moth have pinkish-brown wings. The hind wings become paler toward the bases. The wingspan is about 4.8 cms. When resting, they hold their wings wrapped around the abdomen and whatever they are standing on. When alert, the hold the wings unrolled and somewhat flattened.

The eggs are laid in a distinctive formation, at a slight angle to the substrate, and slightly overlapping each other, like roof shingles. The eggs are initially pale green, changing later to become transparent. They appear to hatch after rain.