Cleora displicata (A Geometrid moth) at Conder, ACT

A Geometrid moth at Conder, ACT

Cleora displicata at Conder, ACT - 31 Oct 2019

Identification history

Cleora displicata	10 Nov 2019	ibaird
Cleora displicata	9 Nov 2019	donhe
Cleora sp. (genus)	9 Nov 2019	ibaird
Unidentified	9 Nov 2019	michaelb

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Author's notes

Conder, ACT

4 comments

GlennCocking wrote:

9 Nov 2019

It's probably the common Cleora dispicata, as I think are most of all our "Cleora sp" records

ibaird wrote:

9 Nov 2019

I note the Moths of Victoria authors were not prepared to name any species as either C. Illustria, C. displicata or C. goldfinchi, but they do provide a suggested to key to 4 Cleora spp, named 'Cleora 1-4.' If the Cleora identifications on the ALA are correct then there would be three named Cleora spp potentially for Canberra as mapped: C. illustria, C. displicata and goldfinchi (presumably a smaller, plainer species). When I look at Cleora illustria and displicata on the ALA they seem highly variable to me to the point Il am not confident to distinguish them., but I could apply the MOV key. MOV say C. illustria apparently matches their Cleora 1 in some collections, and their Sp. 2 show similarities to C. displicata. But MOV say their Sp. 3 does not match any named species,, but their species 4 is apparently a small, plainer looking species which they seem to imply may be equivalent to C. goldfinchi. I notice iNaturalist apparently recognises all the named Cleora species including C. displicata which the ALA also uses, however several species e;g. C.injectaria, sabulata etc. are not shown as occurring in Canberra.

donhe wrote:

10 Nov 2019

Ian : do not leave us in suspense: applying the key : which is it : 1, 2, 3, or 4?

ibaird wrote:

10 Nov 2019

Applying the Victorian key is not easy not least because this appears to be a battered specimen and its probably a female (i.e the key for Sp.1/vs C. illustria ) relies on detailed male features. However the key for distinguishing Sp. 1 and Sp. 2 (see file: 'Cleora 2') suggest to me that this is more likely Sp.2 than Sp.1 i/.e no sharp kink in forewing outer lie, well defined oval discal spots on fore and hind wings and a scalloped hindwing line. There are also apparently some faint buff patches. Therefore, giventhat a diagnosis of 'Sp.2" is more or less consistent with C. displicata, I'm happy with calling it that!

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