Theretra queenslandi (Stinging Tree Hawk Moth)
We have found this moth at Claire Cottage on the Dorrigo Plateau.
Distribution: CYP south to New South Wales (the Sydney region).
Sighted at Claire Cottage between November & February.
We have found this moth at Claire Cottage on the Dorrigo Plateau.
Distribution: CYP south to New South Wales (the Sydney region).
Sighted at Claire Cottage between November & February.
Theretra queenslandi, Claire Cottage Dorrigo NSW, 2 Jan 2021, 10.00 pm
Theretra queenslandi, Claire Cottage, Dorrigo Plateau, NSW. 12 Dec 2018
Theretra queenslandi newly emerged 20th January 2015
Theretra queenslandi, Claire Cottage, Dorrigo Plateau, NSW, 4 Nov 2012
Theretra queenslandi - eclosed 31/10/20 @ Claire Cottage, pupa found Bellingen Island April 2020
Theretra queenslandi underside, Claire Cottage, Dorrigo Plateau, NSW. 12 Dec 2018
Theretra queenslandi larva just moulted, Bellingen Island, Bellingen, NSW April 10th 2010
Theretra queenslandi larva descending a Giant Stinging Tree (Dendrocnide excelsa) to pupate. Bellingen Island, Bellingen, NSW December 16th 2014.
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Habitat for Theretra queenslandi on Bellingen Island, Bellingen, NSW December 2014.
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Theretra queenslandi feeding on a Giant Stinging Tree (Dendrocnide excelsa) Bellingen Island, Bellingen, NSW April 10th 2010.
Early instar Theretra queenslandi larva feeding on Dendrocnide excelsa, Bellinen Island, Bellingen, NSW April 2010
Theretra queenslandi pupa, Jan 2015
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Hatched pupa case, Oct 2020
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Caudal horn of an early instar larva that has just changed its skin
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A poor photo of a mature larva's caudal horn - it has become short and stumpy
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Theretra queenslandi (Stinging Tree Hawk Moth)
We have found this moth at Claire Cottage on the Dorrigo Plateau.
Distribution: CYP south to New South Wales (the Sydney region).
Moth Sightings:
- DORRIGO PLATEAU: Oct 2020 (see pupa below), Nov 2012, 2020 (3), Dec 2018 (3), 2019 (3) - same night 21.15, 21.30, 22.00), Jan 2021 (2) Feb 2019, 2021 (21.30)
- ELSEWHERE: Bellingen Island, Jan 2015
Larva Sightings:
- DORRIGO PLATEAU: None to Date
- ELSEWHERE: Bellingen Island, Bellingen, NSW April 2010, December 2014
Pupa Sightings:
- DORRIGO PLATEAU: None to Date
- ELSEWHERE: Bellingen Island, Bellingen, NSW April 2020 (eclosed @ Claire Cottage 31/10/20).
Larval food plants:
- DORRIGO PLATEAU:
- URTICACEAE: Dendrocnide excelsa (Giant Stinging Tree), D. photinophylla (Shining-leaved Stinging Tree),
- ELSEWHERE: As for Dorrigo Plateau plus
- URTICACEAE: Dendrocnide moroides (Gympie Stinger), Pipturus argenteus (Native mulberry),
Breeding season on the Dorrigo Plateau: Thought to be September to April
Flight habit: Nocturnal - Active at night.
Time to light - Dec 2018-2200 hrs & between 02.30&04.30.
Adult Moth: Colour ranges light browns; Size at rest - tip of thorax to tip of forewing: 65mm
Mature larva: length - ??mm.
Colour forms: Final instar: a green form and a brown form.
Eye Spots: one each side on abdominal segment slightly raised, white with blue centre and a tiny central white spot.
Other distinguishing features: faint pale diagnal stripes both sides.
Caudal Horn: dark or green coloured, thick, short, slight curve backwards.
