Pink-bellied Moth
![Pink-bellied Moth resting on the wall of a house. [Photographed by Peter Rowland]](https://prpw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PRPW-171222-23-2655.jpg "Pink-bellied Moth")
Scientific Name: Oenochroma vinaria
Size: Wingspan 60 mm
What does it look like?
Pink-bellied Moth adults are pinkish to brown with a dark edged yellow line running across the upper surface of the wings, and with a small, dark edged, transparent spot on each forewing. The tips of the forewing have a blackish and grey hooked tip. The underside of the wings have a large dark purplish blotch. Closely resembles the Mountain Vine Moth O. barcodificata of NSW and Tas, which was separated from this species in 2009 based on DNA differences. The larva (caterpillar) is typically brown with a black back, variably spotted with white and with small horn-like projections from the spots.
Where is it found?
Occurs throughout most of Australia.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Pink-bellied Moth is found wherever larval food plants (mainly banksias, grevilleas and hakeas) grow and readily enters gardens and buildings. When disturbed, the larva curls its head under its body, projecting its horns outwards.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Insects of Australia
