Moths
 
NOCTUOIDEA 
  
NOTODONTIDAE
ProcessionaryCaterpillar
  
LYMANTRIIDAE
Brown Tussock Moth
Painted Pine Moth
White Tussock Moth 
 
NOCTUIDAE
Transverse Moth  
Crow Moth  
Native Budworm  
CATOCALINAE 
ACRONICTINAE
Lawn Armyworm
Lily Caterpillar
 

                                               

Native Budworm - Helicoverpa punctigera

Family Noctuidae

This page contains pictures and information about Native Budworms and Moths that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia.

Length 30mm
 
We sometimes found this caterpillar feeding on flower bud. We even found this caterpillar inside a strawberry.  
 
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This Caterpillar has black dots and pattern of thin dark lines running along the body. Those lines are darker around the second and third segments. The caterpillars are either brown or green in colours.
 

The Moth

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Picture taken in Alexandra Hill during early summer. The adult moth is brown in colour with wingspan about 40mm.
 
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This moth is very common in Brisbane bush, especially during early summer. Usually it hides on forest ground during the day. Occasionally fly away if disturbed by walking near it.
 
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The moth has large green compound eyes.  
 
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The hind wings are buff with dark submarginal bands. 
 
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Reference:
1. Helicoverpa punctigera Caterpillars of Australian, by Don Herbison-Evans & Stella Crossley, 2007.
2. Moths of Australia - I. F. B. Common, Melbourne University Press, 1990, Fig 50.9.

 

Up ] Transverse Moth ] [ Native Budworm ] Subfamily CATOCALINAE ] Crow Moth ] Subfamily ACRONICTINAE - AMPHIPYRINAE ]

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Last updated: November 19, 2008.