Philobota xiphostola

Each of the similar species Philobota mathematica group sp, Philobota xiphostola and Philobota thiogramma has a prominent dark streak along the costa of the forewing that ends before the apex (at about ¾).   In P. xiphostola and P. thiogramma, the dark streak has a similar width white streak inside it.  P. mathematica group sp does not have this sort of white streak, although some specimens have a few bright white scales on the inner boundary of the dark streak, giving a hint of a narrow white streak.

For each species the background light colour of the forewing extends to the costa at the base of the wing, showing as a small white space between the wing and thorax on settled live specimens.  The sides of the thorax are narrowly dark (most of thorax is light), providing a partial dark collar across the thorax on settled live specimens.  

The remainder of the forewing is usually different in each of the species:   

-       P. mathematica group sp is plain light yellow/beige

-       P. xiphostola is off-white/grey (although sometimes the white streak merges on the inside into a white remainder of the forewing);   most specimens (particularly males) have an additional short dark streak diagonally inwards from the apex;  females usually have the white streak contrasting more with a darker remainder of the wing, and a short narrow white streak near the apex that is almost a continuation of the main light streak; and most specimens have other more subtle apical marks

-       P. thiogramma is a darker plain grey/ brown

The head and thorax of P. mathematica group sp is usually a shade of yellow that is stronger than on the wings. The head and thorax of P. xiphostola and P. thiogrammaare off-white/grey.

It will often be difficult to separate these species using single live photos, as the visibility of any white streak inside the dark costal streak depends on angle and lighting.  And the differences in the background colour of the forewing are readily disguised by the angle and lighting of photos.

There are several other named or unnamed species with similar appearances to these species which have been recorded in the ACT but are not yet reported on CNM.  They will be difficult to identify in photos.