Life and Death on a Scribbly Gum

Scribbly Gums in the sandstone country of Kangaloon are an endless source of fascination. So many insects live on these grand trees, and even just between ground level and my head height, one can see so many different insects using the bark as a home, or as a thoroughfare, or, as in this evening's post, as a dining table.

The first insect is a Moth which at first I assumed would be a "Scribbly Gum Moth" one of the moths responsible for leaving the trails in the bark - from which these Gum Trees take their "common name". In fact this Gum is Eucalyptus haemastoma one of a series of smooth-barked Eucaluypts which are attractive to the Scribbly Gum Moths. Many smooth-barked Eucalypts are NOT attractive to these moths. In my former stamping ground of Canberra, the local "Scribbly Gum" is Eucalyptus rossii

Anyway, after having consulted with some Mothy people, it is clear that the true "Scribbly Gum Moth" is much smaller than this. Which leaves me with a blank ID for this moth.
All I know is that it is a day-flying moth, about the size of my fingertip, therefore, I would say it is about 10 - 12 mm in length. With opened wings, I would estimate 15 - 18 mm in wing-span. When it flew, it flew quickly, a short distance and hid again, in near perfect camouflage, on the bark of its beloved tree.

Click on image to see details of head and antennae

The antennae are very long, and folded back along its wings. The palps on the snout of the moth are upturned, with a distinct V shape protrusion. There also appears to be a white, round structure behind the eye, near the front of its wings, but I cannot make anything of it. Its eyes are white.

These two images are of the same moth, in different positions, but similar "stance" each time it landed.

This next insect is "Common Black Robber Fly". As "Robber Flies" go, this one is pretty small. Some have much heavier bodies, and are capable of killing and carrying quite large prey, such as bees, or wasps.

Interestingly, having seen this insect on the trunk of the tree, it re-appeared just a few moments later, with a tiny yellow moth it had just caught. The Fly has landed awkwardly, and is trying to gain its balance, and to secure its grip on the moth.
A matter of moments later, after flying a short distance, and having re-arranged its grip on its prey, the Robber Fly is about to settle down to sucking the life-juices out of the moth.

Click on the image below
to get a good look at the
face of the moth, its eye and antenna.

Life and Death on a Scribbly Gum - in the arms of a Robber Fly.