Oxythecta hieroglyphica

A scat moth at Aranda, ACT

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Identification history

Oxythecta hieroglyphica 28 Apr 2026 ibaird
Oxythecta hieroglyphica 26 Apr 2026 WendyEM
Unverified 25 Apr 2026 CathB

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User's notes

This moth was playing dead. I saw it flying round and landing on a small twig (photos 4 and 5), but when I bumped it while trying to get a better look, it dropped to the ground and remained immobile lying on its side. It didn't move when I disturbed the leaf it was lying on and even when I completely removed the leaf. Then, after about 3 minutes, the 'dead' moth just flew away. This was quite different from freezing in place which I often observe, and seems to be an example of thanatosis.

1 comment

WendyEM wrote:
   26 Apr 2026
Many of this group - in resting shape and markings - imitate bird droppings

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Additional information

  • 5mm to 12mm Animal size

Species information

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