The Fasciated Porela (A Moth with a Mystery)

This moth has evaded me for twelve years. Suddenly, not one, but two, have turned up at my moth light. It is the Fasciated Porela, Porela subfasciata, of the family Lasiocampidae. This family includes moths known as Eggars, Snout Moths, and Lappet Moths. So why has it taken so long to find them? One reason may be that the larval food plant does not grow in the vicinity of my home.

So, what is their food plant? Well other moths within the genus Porela are known to feed on various Eucalyptus species and some feed on the Tea Tree, Leptospermum flavescens. However, the specific food plant for this moth species is still a mystery. That's why observing, and rearing moths from eggs or larvae, can be so interesting as there is still so much to learn.

The photos were taken with a Canon 7D and Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro lens.

Click on images to see a larger version
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Insects Lepidoptera Lasiocampidae Porela subfasciata MV BY Tas 2018-01-26 n1.jpg

Insects Lepidoptera Lasiocampidae Porela subfasciata MV BY Tas 2018-01-26 n3.jpg

Insects Lepidoptera Lasiocampidae Porela subfasciata MV BY Tas 2018-01-26 n4.jpg

Insects Lepidoptera Lasiocampidae Porela subfasciata MV BY Tas 2018-01-26 n2.jpg

References and Further Reading:

Common I.F.B. - Moths of Australia - Csiro Publishing - 1 Jan. 1990

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