tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19288377.post5000244012390754961..comments2024-03-09T18:27:46.282+11:00Comments on The Nature of Robertson: Vine Moth on Diuris pardina - the "Leopard Orchid"Denis Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031115992910569116noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19288377.post-20222591519945665312011-10-05T19:52:56.633+11:002011-10-05T19:52:56.633+11:00Hi Martin.
We all seem to assume that "pest&...Hi Martin. <br />We all seem to assume that "pest" means introduced. <br />I had used the term "pest", following the main sources, but the penny had not dropped that it is a <b>home-grown</b> pest species.<br />But in fact, you are right - it is indigenous. <br />For the record, I had not declared it to be "introduced" (I made such a mistake once before on the Citrus Butterfly). But I had "assumed" it was introduced, because of the "pest status".<br />Apparently it has escaped overseas, and is now an "introduced pest" in South Africa and Canada. Its interesting to see the boot on the other foot for once.<br />There is another Moth called the European Vine Moth, which is not here.<br />But, there is another named the Painted Vine Moth which is in the Chew family's Brisbane Insects website. It is also mainly Australian, but includes Papua New Guinea.<br />Seeing as Grapevines themselves are introduced here, it seemed reasonable to assume that this Moth was itself introduced. But no.<br />.<br />We have some plants like the Cissus genus which are in the Vitaceae family. These vines are common along the east coast moist forests. So, it seems we were "ripe for a population explosion" of this moth, once we introduced Grape Vines, and planted them everywhere we live.<br />Hardly seems fair to declare it a "pest" when we have brought it to "pest" status ourselves, by planting Grapevines - to suit our own purposes.<br />Thanks (<b><i>I think</i></b>) for pushing me to refine the topic somewhat. <br />:-))<br />Incidentally, like many Day-flying Moths, it tends to seem to flutter, and be quite unusual in its behaviour, compared to Butterflies. As such, it is memorable as "different" - so your vague memory is probably, in fact, accurate.<br />Cheers<br />DenisDenis Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10031115992910569116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19288377.post-91799163863741873142011-10-05T19:18:04.330+11:002011-10-05T19:18:04.330+11:00Hi Wilma - Thanks.
Yes, it is a pretty beast.
App...Hi Wilma - Thanks. <br />Yes, it is a pretty beast.<br />Apparently it is spreading to other countries.<br />It is classed as a pest here, but a home-grown pest.<br /><br />Cheers<br />DenisDenis Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10031115992910569116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19288377.post-85721245963092354662011-10-05T15:49:59.791+11:002011-10-05T15:49:59.791+11:00G'day Denis
I think I have wondered greatly a...G'day Denis<br /><br />I think I have wondered greatly about the ID of this moth over the past year. If my memory is correct - an increasingly unlikely event - I saw them here several times. <br /><br />From my reading of DH-E's site the moth is a native (at least he is silent on it being introduced) so has prior claim on the vineyards.<br /><br />MartinFlabmeisterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00934077052437339591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19288377.post-41692913154450809092011-10-04T13:19:31.502+11:002011-10-04T13:19:31.502+11:00The grapevine moth is a most beautiful pest!The grapevine moth is a most beautiful pest!Wilmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14717012784233946753noreply@blogger.com