Lesley Smitheringale Fine Art

Garden Guests Diary - Drinking Companion [1 April 2008]

While I was happily celebrating with you all about the 24,000 visitors to my site, I was joined by a garden guest. I have no idea what this “drinking buddy” is and he looks like a young orange palmdart butterfly but I’m not convinced due to his very long legs but they might look longer because he is so tiny. Again, if any of you can help me out here with identification of my new friend, I would appreciate it. Here he is..

I recently discovered what my drinking buddy is - a Plume Moth

Plume Moths hold their narrow wings at right angles to their body when at rest. Their flight is fairly weak. The antennae are short and held out in front of head at right angle to each other. They have long thin legs with spines. The species shown here is common in gardens where the larvae feed on geranium plants. Pupae are thin with many white bristles.

Source: Oz Animals