The Pasture Day Moth, Apina callisto (synonym Amazelo callisto), is a species in the Noctuidae family of moths which is, as its name implies, active during the day, making it unlike most other species in the Noctuidae family. It is found in most southern areas of Australia, ranging from lower Queensland to Tasmania.
The Pasture Day Moth lays its eggs in pasture, and they hatch after heavy rains in early spring. When the larvae are fully grown, measuring about 60 mm (2.4 in), they burrow down before becoming pupae. They have striking coloration; two yellow stripes run down their mottled-black back, interspersed with blue spots. Their bodies are covered with white spines. They feed on various broad leaved plants (see list below).
The adult moth's wings are black with cream and chestnut markings, with a wingspan of approximately 50 mm (2.0 in). Its thorax is black and the abdomen is orange ringed with black.
Read more about Pasture Day Moth: Recorded Food Plants
Famous quotes containing the words pasture, day and/or moth:
“At the rate science proceeds, rockets and missiles will one day seem like buffalo—slow, endangered grazers in the black pasture of outer space.”
—Bernard Cooper (b. 1936)
“every day they die
Among us, those who were doing us some good,
And knew it was never enough but
Hoped to improve a little by living.”
—W.H. (Wystan Hugh)
“Hurt no living thing:
Ladybird, nor butterfly,
Nor moth with dusty wing,”
—Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830–1894)