Macrobathra (genus) at Melba, ACT

A cosmet moth at Melba, ACT

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Identification history

Macrobathra (genus)	30 Jan 2021	donhe
Macrobathra (genus)	29 Jan 2021	ibaird
Unidentified	29 Jan 2021	Bron

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7 comments

ibaird wrote:

29 Jan 2021

Close to but perhaps not M. leucopeda bacause it lacks the yellowish head and base to palps.

ibaird wrote:

29 Jan 2021

Looks quite similar to CNM Sighting No. 4367470.

Bron wrote:

29 Jan 2021

CNM 4367470 was taken 250m from mine a week earlier. The pattern of scales is very similar, the antennae are darker in one, I don't know whether that matters?

ibaird wrote:

29 Jan 2021

OK, thanks. I thought your sighting looked more similar in forewing markings and the shape and colour of the labial palps and head to 4367470 i.e. probably different from M. leucopeda which has a yellowish head and palp bases. There are a large number of Macrobathra species, named and un-named, most of them not photographed from life and identified online, so they are difficult to identify.

Bron wrote:

29 Jan 2021

There are just so many different moths! It's astounding to me. You are so knowledgeable too, I think I put up too many moths and they might be the same species but I suppose that's better than the opposite.

ibaird wrote:

29 Jan 2021

Estimated 2000 moth species for the ACT, 10,000 for Australia. Only 600 plus bird species for Australia by comparison.

Bron wrote:

30 Jan 2021

Brilliant. Lots to do then. I've alreay taken just shy of 30,000 moth shots in the 10 years I've owned a DSLR. Clearly ridiculous - most are only tagged 'moth' except lately. I'm unlikely to get them tagged before I shuffle off! I certainly won't be going to bed tonight haha

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