I have seen the Helena Gum Moth Opodiphthera helena (White, 1843) only once before, in Robertson. But never have I seen it in such an unsuitable roosting position as hanging onto one of the black Fuel Hoses at "Steve's Servo".
But there it was, yesterday afternoon.
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| First shot - a careful shot, lest I disturb it. |
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| Head on view. You can see the orange legs and finely marked feet. |
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| Finally I got to shoot the whole moth from "above" (more or less at right angles) |
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| I decided that hanging on to a petrol fuel line was not really a suitable spot for a Gum Moth. So I picked it up, and carried it away. I placed it on a wooden fence at the side of "Steve's Servo". Note the posture it has adopted. Classic "defence posture" for this Moth. |
"If disturbed, a resting moth will deflect its head and body, incline its wings forwards displaying its hind eyespots," Source: http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/satu/helen.html
