Heliocosma (genus - immature)

3 A tortrix or leafroller moth at Namadgi National Park

Heliocosma (genus - immature) at Namadgi National Park - suppressed
Heliocosma (genus - immature) at Namadgi National Park - suppressed
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Identification history

Heliocosma (genus - immature) 11 Mar 2024 ibaird
Heliocosma (genus - immature) 10 Mar 2024 donhe
Heliocosma (genus) 30 Nov 2022 ibaird
Unverified 30 Nov 2022 AJB

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User's notes

I love case moths that decorate with petals! Not sure what the petals are from however.

4 comments

donhe wrote:
   30 Nov 2022
Four brown longitudinal stripes = Heliocosma
RogerF wrote:
   1 Dec 2022
The weird and wonderful. One possibility for the petals could be Indigofera. Just shows how far thay can drag their case around, down one plant and up the next.
AJB wrote:
   4 Dec 2022
Thanks again Roger - great suggestion and really has made me think a bit more about what I see. I have captured some of these case moths (obviously not ones on orchids!) to see what they do and what they turn into. From what I read only the males actually emerge as moths?
donhe wrote:
   4 Dec 2022
The caterpillars of species several moth families build portable shelters, including Adelidae, Psychidae, Oecophoridae and Tineidae, as well as the Helicosma Group. The female adults of many Psychidae species have no or reduced wings, whereas the males have well developed wings. Several Heliocosma species were described only from males. It remains to be seen whether the females are flightless.

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Location information

Sighting information

Additional information

  • Thelymitra Associated plant
  • 5mm to 12mm Animal size
  • Alive / healthy Animal health
  • Feeding Insect behaviour on flower

Species information

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  • Verified by an expert moderator
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