List of moths of Australia (Arctiinae) facts for kids

Moths are amazing insects, and Australia is home to many different kinds! This page is about a special group of moths called the Arctiinae (pronounced Ark-tee-EYE-nee). They are also known as tiger moths or woolly bear moths. This list helps us keep track of all the different Arctiinae species found in Australia. It's part of a bigger list that includes all the moths living in Australia.

What are Arctiinae Moths?

Arctiinae moths are a large group of moths known for their bright colors and interesting patterns. They often have patterns that look like stripes, spots, or even eyes! These colors can be a warning to predators, telling them that the moth might taste bad or be poisonous.

Life Cycle of a Tiger Moth

Like all moths, Arctiinae moths go through a full life cycle:

• Egg: The life cycle starts when a female moth lays tiny eggs, often on plants.
• Larva (Caterpillar): The eggs hatch into caterpillars. Many Arctiinae caterpillars are very hairy, which is why they are sometimes called "woolly bears." These hairs can protect them from birds and other animals. They spend their time eating leaves and growing bigger.
• Pupa: After growing enough, the caterpillar forms a pupa. This is a resting stage where the caterpillar transforms into an adult moth.
• Adult Moth: Finally, the adult moth emerges from the pupa. These are the beautiful, often colorful, moths you see flying around. Their main job is to find a mate and lay eggs to start the cycle again.

Where Do They Live?

Arctiinae moths live in many different habitats across Australia, from forests to grasslands. They are found in various parts of the country, showing how adaptable they are to different environments.

Different Kinds of Arctiinae Moths in Australia

The Arctiinae group is divided into smaller groups called tribes and subtribes. Each of these groups has its own unique features. Here are some of the tribes and subtribes of Arctiinae moths found in Australia:

Tribe Arctiini

This tribe includes many well-known tiger moths. They often have bold patterns and can be quite striking. Some examples of species in this group found in Australia include:

• Aloa costalis Walker, 1865
• Amerila alberti (Rothschild, 1910)
• Creatonotos gangis (Linnaeus, 1763) - This moth is famous for its special scent organs that look like tentacles!
• Nyctemera amicus (White, 1841)
• Spilosoma canescens (Butler, 1875)
• Tyria jacobaeae (Linnaeus, 1758)
• Utetheisa lotrix (Cramer, 1777)

Subtribe Euchromiina

This smaller group within Arctiini includes moths that often mimic wasps or bees. They might have clear wings or slender bodies to look like these stinging insects, even though they are harmless moths.

• Euchromia aemulina Butler, 1877
• Euchromia creusa (Linnaeus, 1758)

Tribe Syntomini

Moths in the Syntomini tribe are also known for mimicking other insects, especially wasps. They often have narrow wings and bright colors like yellow and black.

• Amata annulata (Fabricius, 1775) - Many Amata species are found in Australia.
• Ceryx guttulosa (Walker, 1865)
• Eressa angustipenna (T.P. Lucas, 1890)

Tribe Lithosiini

This is another large group of Arctiinae moths. They are sometimes called lichen moths because many of their caterpillars feed on lichens, which are small plant-like growths found on rocks and trees. These moths can be quite small and often have more subtle colors compared to the flashier tiger moths.

• Aedoea decreta (Butler, 1877)
• Asura cervicalis Walker, 1854
• Castulo doubledayi Newman, 1857
• Cyana meyricki (Rothschild, 1901)
• Damias elegans Boisduval, 1832
• Eilema plana (Boisduval, 1832)
• Halone consolatrix (Rosenstock, 1885)
• Heliosia jucunda (Walker, 1854)
• Manulea dorsalis (Walker, 1866)
• Oeonistis altica (Linnaeus, 1768)
• Palaeosia bicosta (Walker, 1854)
• Philenora elegans (Butler, 1877)
• Scoliacma bicolora (Boisduval, 1832)
• Termessa laeta (Walker, 1856)
• Thallarcha albicollis (R. Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875)
• Tigrioides alterna (Walker, 1854)