Summer is a great time for bug spotting and this season, I’ve spotted a few interesting things while out and about, including these Helena Gum Moths – Austrocaligula helena.

My first sighting was of the adult moth resting on an Acacia shrub. The adult moths live for around 2 weeks during which time they focus all their energy on breeding. During this stage in their life-cycle, they can’t eat due to having no mouth parts. As such, while are most likely to be found on or around Eucalypt trees during their Caterpillar stage, as moths, they could be hanging out anywhere!

Here’s the Caterpillar I spotted – these are pretty big and chunky! I spotted this on the side of the road so I moved them into the leaf litter. Hopefully this one will make it to its next lifecycle stage – the cocoon which apparently they can remain in for up to 2 years. Wow!

Want more information? Here’s a short and informative video on gum moths.

These beautiful insects can be found across our Landcare region so keep your eyes peeled!