Dirce aesiodora Turner, 1922
Pencil Pine Moth
ARCHIEARINAE, GEOMETRIDAE

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

(updated 19 March 2005)


(Photo: copyright Catherine J. Young)

The Caterpillars of this species are reddish brown, with a skin made of platelets. Each segement has three overlapping platelets: one on each side, and one on the back. These platelets resemble the overlapping leaf scales of its foodplant. The caterpillars feed on the dwindling population of :

  • Pencil Pine ( Athrotaxis cupressoides, TAXODIACEAE ),

    in the mountain rainforests of Tasmania.


    (Photo: copyright Catherine J. Young)

    The adult moths are very handsome, with a striking black and grey pattern on the forewings, and orange hindwings with a black border.


    (Photo: courtesy of Peter B. McQuillan, University of Tasmania)

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