Amata aperta (Walker, [1865])
(one synonym : Hydrusa nesothetis)
 SYNTOMIINI , CTENUCHINAE , ARCTIIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

(updated 31 March 2007)

Amata aperta
(Photo: courtesy of Ted Cadwallader)

These Caterpillars have rather puzzling feeding habits. They have been found feeding on the foliage of :

  • Bladder Saltbush ( Atriplex vesicaria, CHENOPODIACEAE ),

    but also ate

  • dead Gum leaves ( Eucalyptus, MYRTACEAE ).

    The Caterpillars pupate in a flimsy cocoon.

    The adult moth rather resembles a wasp. Its wings are basically black, with pale yellow translucent spots on each wing. It has transverse black and yellow bands on its body. It has a wingspan of about 3 cms. The hind wings are only about half the span of the forewings.

    Specimens have been taken in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

    Further reading :

    Ian F.B. Common,
    Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, p. 439.

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