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      Item Details  

Scientific Name : Opodiphthera helena
Common Name : Helena gum moth
Description : The largest moth in the area, wingspan up to 140mm.The wings are a rich orange and appear hairy. The hind wings have a large black ring, with a blue and orange centre forming the appearance of an eye. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of Eucalyptus trees.
Habitat : Eucalyptus forest.
Distribution : Southern Queensland to Tasmania and across to West Australia. A caterpillar was found near the weir on Billys Creek, under a Eucalyptus viminalis tree on 16th February 1992.
Family : Saturnidae
 
Available Images

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Emperor gum moth, male.
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Emperor gum moth caterpillar, by the Billys Creek weir.
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Male Helena Gum Moth by the Stringybark Ridge Track
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Helena Gum Moth cocoon by the Coprosma Track. A female moth emerged 20 months later!


Helena Gum Moth cocoon by the Coprosma Track. A female moth emerged 20 months later!
April 17th 2011




 
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