Snellenia lineata

3 Lycid-mimicking Moth at Molonglo Valley, ACT

Snellenia lineata at Molonglo Valley, ACT - 27 Dec 2022 08:18 AM
Snellenia lineata at Molonglo Valley, ACT - 27 Dec 2022 08:18 AM
Snellenia lineata at Molonglo Valley, ACT - 27 Dec 2022 08:18 AM
Snellenia lineata at Molonglo Valley, ACT - 27 Dec 2022 08:18 AM
Snellenia lineata at Molonglo Valley, ACT - 27 Dec 2022 08:18 AM
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Identification history

Snellenia lineata 27 Dec 2022 ibaird
Snellenia lineata 27 Dec 2022 CathB

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User's notes

Appendages in all directions!

3 comments

ibaird wrote:
   27 Dec 2022
This is moth that visits flowers during the daytime and mimics net-winged beetles in the Lycidae family.
CathB wrote:
   27 Dec 2022
Although smaller, the colour and general shape certainly look like the Porrostoma beetles that are common at the moment, but the enormous 'horns' and the lifted legs spoil the illusion somewhat.
ibaird wrote:
   27 Dec 2022
Yes, despite this mimicry, I have still seen large numberss of Silver Gulls hawking after and feeding on large numbers of flying Lycid beetles on warm afternoons in Canberra. So any mimicry benefit to the moth may be somewhat illusory.

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  • Acacia Associated plant
  • 5mm to 12mm Animal size
  • Alive / healthy Animal health

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