Protonoceras mitis

Protonoceras mitis (Turner, 1937)
(previously known as : Archernis mitis)
SPILOMELINI , PYRAUSTINAE , CRAMBIDAE

These Caterpillars live communally in a nest made of a cluster of leaves joined together with silk. They have been found on :

Poplar ( Populus deltoides, SALICACEAE ),

and grow to a length of about 2 cms.

They pupate in a silken web spun between the leaves of the foodplant. The pupae are unusual in that they can make audible stridulatory noises.

The adult moths are pale brown, with a number of faint darker zig-zag lines across the wings. The moths have a wingspan of about 2 cms.

This species is found in the north-east quarter of Australia.

Further reading :

Ian F.B. Common,
Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, pp. 67, 355.

Australian
Australian Butterflies

Australian
Australian Moths

(updated 13 June 2005)