List of moths of Australia (Lasiocampidae) facts for kids

This article is about a special group of moths found in Australia. These moths belong to a family called Lasiocampidae. You might know them as tent moths or lappet moths. This list helps us keep track of the different kinds of Lasiocampidae moths living in Australia. It's also part of a bigger list of all the moths found across the country.

What are Lasiocampidae Moths?

Lasiocampidae moths are a family of moths known for their furry bodies and often broad wings. Their name, "Lasiocampidae," comes from Greek words meaning "hairy caterpillar." This is a great clue because many of their caterpillars are indeed very hairy! These moths are usually medium to large in size. They often have dull colors like brown, grey, or yellow, which helps them blend in with their surroundings.

Life Cycle of a Lasiocampidae Moth

Like all moths, Lasiocampidae moths go through a fascinating life cycle with four main stages:

• Egg: The female moth lays tiny eggs, often on the leaves or stems of plants.
• Larva (Caterpillar): When the eggs hatch, out come the caterpillars. These caterpillars are usually very hairy. Some kinds of Lasiocampidae caterpillars are social. This means they live together in groups, sometimes even building silken "tents" or nests. They munch on leaves, growing bigger and bigger.
• Pupa: After growing enough, the caterpillar forms a pupa. This is a resting stage where it transforms into an adult moth. They often spin a cocoon made of silk, sometimes mixed with their own hairs.
• Adult: Finally, the adult moth emerges from the pupa. Adult moths usually don't eat much, or at all. Their main job is to find a mate and lay eggs to start the cycle all over again.

Where do they live in Australia?

Lasiocampidae moths can be found in many different habitats across Australia. They live in forests, woodlands, and even some drier areas. Their caterpillars feed on the leaves of various trees and shrubs. This means you might spot them wherever their favorite plants grow.

Types of Lasiocampidae Moths in Australia

The Lasiocampidae family is divided into smaller groups called subfamilies. In Australia, we find species from two main subfamilies: Gastropachinae and Lasiocampinae. Each subfamily has its own unique kinds of moths.

Gastropachinae

This subfamily includes several interesting species. Here are a few examples:

• Pernattia brevipennis (Walker, 1865)
• Pernattia chlorophragma (Turner, 1924)
• Pernattia pusilla (Donovan, 1805)

Lasiocampinae

This is the larger of the two subfamilies found in Australia. It contains many different types of moths. Here are some of them:

• Anastrolos apasta (Turner, 1924)
• Cyclophragma centralistrigata (Bethune-Baker, 1904)
• Entometa apicalis (Walker, 1855)
• Genduara acedesta (Turner, 1911)
• Opsirhina albigutta Walker, 1855
• Pararguda albida (Walker, 1865)
• Pinara cana Walker, 1855
• Porela albifinis (Walker, 1855)
• Symphyta colpodes Turner, 1924

These lists show just a few of the many amazing Lasiocampidae moths that call Australia home! Scientists continue to study these creatures to learn more about their lives and how they fit into Australia's amazing natural world.