The ALA records 1 observation each of H. talaca in Victoria and one in central NSW photographed as larvae only. Photos there are of adults are from tropical Qld or Sri Lanka. Travelled south on vegetable produce perhaps?
Perhaps the lettuce seedlings came from Queensland with the moths eggs attached and they have hatched in this warm weather? Did you plant lettuce seeds or plant bought seedlings?
I have about 60 photos of this species and have always thought it to be Pholodes sinistraria. ALA: https://biocache.ala.org.au/occurrences/191d15b3-214d-4a24-ae7f-f24065f25f4f Brisbane insects: https://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_loopers/BrownLooper.htm I'm quite prepared to be proven incorrect ... :)
@Bron I attempted to raise a similar (same) caterpillar. See sighting Geometridae (family) IMMATURE (Unidentified IMMATURE Geometer moths) I've just added an additional photo of it at a later stage-about 20 days later. This may help with identification. I don't have the adult moth and it may have failed.
Thanks for adding the photo. I've looked at many entomology resources and each photo of later instars proves that we need to raise the moth to be sure. Please keep us posted about the fate of your caterpillar!
Describe how you intend to use these images and/or audio files and your request will be sent to the author for consideration.
Your request has been successfully submitted to the author for consideration.
2,154,184 sightings of 19,955 species in 6,498 locations from 11,452 contributors
CCA 3.0 | privacy
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land and acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.