Nyctemera amicus

Senecio Moth, Magpie Moth, Cineraria Moth at Higgins, ACT

Nyctemera amicus at Higgins, ACT - 4 Jan 2021
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Identification history

Nyctemera amicus 9 Jan 2021 ibaird
Nyctemera amicus 9 Jan 2021 pinnaCLE

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User's notes

For several years now, Fireweed plants in my back garden have been hammered by considerable numbers of these larvae. The caterpillars basically chew off all leaves and move on. Birds do not touch them - Wikipedia says that is because "plants contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids" resulting in unpleasant taste. Have never seen a pupa on the plant - moth must go to ground.

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Location information

Sighting information

Additional information

  • Senecio quadridentatus Associated plant
  • 12mm to 25mm Animal size
  • Larvae Breeding behaviour

Species information

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  • Verified by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
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