Swift Moths: The image
on the left is not the skin shed by a visitor from another galaxy. It is the
pupae case of a large moth that visits our family room door at certain times
of the year. Swift Moths (probably Abantiades sp.) are large insects
and adults may have a wingspan of 15 centimetres. The larvae feed on the roots
of eucalypts and other native plants. They pupate just below the ground
surface.
When there is a reasonable fall of rain in late summer or autumn, the pupa
push two thirds of the way out of the ground. The case splits and the moth
emerges. They are attracted to light and on one occasion literally dozens of
moths clustered on our family room door. We closed the curtains so the moths
could get on with their lives.
The Swift Moths at Yallaroo have a wingspan of about 10 centimetres and have
brown wings and body. As we wander around the property we often find pupa
cases either lying on the ground or sticking out of the ground. Aboriginal
people used to roast and eat Swift Moth bodies especially along the Murray
River.
As with many Australian insects little is known about Swift Moth life cycles.
It is reputed that the females, of one species lay up to 18,000 eggs (someone
was busy counting).
Images of mature Swift Moths may be seen on our Week
3 May 2009 article.
We would be interested in hearing from anyone with knowledge of these
interesting insects or any others discussed in our web pages. Yallaroo@actv8.net.au
is our new email address.