(one synonym is: Macaria apamaria)
MACARIINI , ENNOMINAE , GEOMETRIDAE
Don Herbison-Evans (
donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
and
Stella Crossley
&
Peter Marriott)
(updated 16 May 2005)
(Photo: courtesy of
Catherine J. Young)
Don Herbison-Evans (
donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
and
Stella Crossley
&
Peter Marriott)
(updated 16 May 2005)
(Photo: courtesy of
Catherine J. Young)
These Caterpillars are loopers, having most prolegs missing. Initially they are a dirty pale greenish-brown with pale lines on the body, and have a brown head. They have been found in Melbourne in January feeding on:
Later instars are a brighter green with white lines and have a green head. The Caterpillars typically rest at the tip of a branch where the green and white markings and slightly gnarled body match the foliage. They grow to a length of about 2.5 cms.
The adult can emerge after as little as nine days. The adult moths are dimorphic. They are pinkish brown, with brown markings including a chestnut brown spot in the middle of each forewing.
The female has more scalloped wings, and has an interesting silver white pattern underneath the wings.
The eggs are pale green and laid singly. They are oval and look squashed, and have a finely dimpled surface.
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