List of moths of Australia (Uraniidae) facts for kids
Did you know that some moths are so colorful and beautiful, they are often mistaken for butterflies? Welcome to the amazing world of the Uraniidae family of moths! This article will introduce you to these special moths found in Australia. It's like a guide to help you learn about the different kinds of Uraniidae moths that live down under.
Contents
What are Uraniidae Moths?
The Uraniidae are a family of moths that are known for being very pretty. Many of them have bright colors and patterns, which makes them look a lot like butterflies. But don't be fooled! They are definitely moths. These moths are found all over the world, especially in tropical areas. In Australia, we have our own unique types.
How are Moths Different from Butterflies?
Even though some Uraniidae moths look like butterflies, there are a few easy ways to tell them apart. Moths usually have feathery antennae, while butterflies have thin antennae with a club at the end. Also, when moths rest, they often spread their wings flat. Butterflies usually fold their wings upright over their backs.
Epipleminae: A Subfamily of Uraniidae
Within the big Uraniidae family, there are smaller groups called subfamilies. One of these is the Epipleminae. These moths are part of the Uraniidae family and share many of their characteristics. Here are some of the specific types of Epipleminae moths that have been found in Australia:
- Balantiucha cyclocrossa Turner, 1926
- Balantiucha decorata (Warren, 1898)
- Balantiucha leucocephala (Walker, 1863)
- Balantiucha mutans (Butler, 1887)
- Balantiucha seminigra (Warren, 1896)
- Balantiucha stolida (Butler, 1886)
- Cathetus euthysticha (Turner, 1911)
- Chundana lugubris Walker, 1862
- Dirades lugens (Warren, 1897)
- Dysaethria pasteopa Turner, 1911
- Dysrhombia longipennis Warren, 1896
- Epiplema angulata Warren, 1896
- Epiplema argillodes Turner, 1903
- Epiplema coeruleotincta Warren, 1896
- Epiplema conflictaria (Walker, 1861)
- Epiplema desistaria (Walker, 1861)
- Epiplema leucosema Turner, 1911
- Epiplema quadristrigata (Walker, 1866)
- Epiplema stereogramma (Turner, 1903)
- Epiplema thiocosma Turner, 1911
- Lobogethes interrupta Warren, 1896
- Monobolodes subfalcata Warren, 1898
- Rhombophylla xylinopis (Turner, 1903)
Uraniinae: Another Subfamily
The Uraniinae are another important subfamily within the Uraniidae family. This group includes some of the most famous and brightly colored moths. Many of them have iridescent wings that shimmer in the light, making them truly spectacular to see. Here are some of the Uraniinae moths found in Australia:
- Acropteris nanula (Warren, 1898)
- Acropteris teriadata (Guenée, 1857)
- Alcides metaurus (Hopffer, 1856)
- Aploschema discata (Warren, 1899)
- Cyphura geminia (Cramer, 1777)
- Lyssa macleayi (Montrouzier, 1856)
- Stesichora quadripunctata Warren, 1896
- Strophidia directaria (Walker, 1866)
- Urapteroides astheniata (Guenée, 1857)
