#1611-1615
#1611 - Glyphipterix cyanochalca - Blue and Copper Sedge Moth
Photos by John Lenagan, in Angelsea, Victoria, who had put a few light traps out to see what moths he could attract during quarentine.
At least I assume cyanochalca means “dark blue” and “copper” - I couldn’t find the official etymology.
The Sedge Moth family Glyphipterigidae has about 500 known species worldwide, where most eat sedges and rushes. This particular species in found in the SE states.
#1612 - Glyphipterix chrysoplanetis
Another tiny sedge moth, known to be associated with the weeping grass Microlaena stipoides. Ute Harder de Sohnrey, who keeps finding these moths in his yard in the Gold Coast Hinterland, has plenty of that grass, but the moths themselves just seem to hang out near the Lobelia purpurascens flowers. That seems to be common to many sedge moths, during daylight.
This species is found in most Australian states,
#1613 - Agathia distributa
AKA Agathia disconnecta. Photo by Brad Callcott in Ayr, Queensland.
One of the Emerald Loopers, found in Quieensland, but I don’t have any information on diet.
#1614 - Porismus strigatus
A strikingly marked species of Osmylid lacewing found in the southeastern states of Australia. Like other members of the family Porismus strigatus is probably a predator, supplementing their diet with pollen. On the other hand, the vividly marked wings are highly unusual for any lacewing.
#1615 - Theretra oldenlandiae - Impatiens Hawk Moth
Photo by Kye Boyson in Mullumbimby NSW. AKA taro hornworm or white-banded hunter hawkmoth,
Despite the common name, this hawkmoth also eats native grapes (which was the case here) as well as a wide range of other plants. In captivity they do quite well on lettuce.
First described by Fabricius in 1775.
This is a younger instar - as the age the yellow spots become more subtle, and it develops bands of white speckles around and along the body. The horn on the tail remains quite slender though, and waves like a metronome as it walks. The adult is brown with pale stripes running down to the tips of the wings, and down the middle of the back. They’re found over most of Australia and SE Asia.