| Dryandra moth | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Adult | |
 | |
| Carthaea saturnioides larva, probably onGrevillea hookeriana, in Boyagin Nature Reserve, Western Australia | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Superfamily: | Bombycoidea |
| Family: | Carthaeidae Common, 1966 |
| Genus: | Carthaea Walker, 1858 |
| Species: | C. saturnioides |
| Binomial name | |
| Carthaea saturnioides Walker, 1858 | |
Thedryandra moth (Carthaea saturnioides) is a species ofmoth that is considered to be the sole member of the familyCarthaeidae.[1] Its closest relatives are theSaturniidae and it bears a resemblance to many species of that family, bearing prominenteyespots on all wings. The common name is derived from theDryandra shrubs of the genusBanksia, on which thelarva of this species feed, and is hence restricted to the south-west ofWestern Australia where these shrubs grow. OtherGrevillea shrubs may also be used ashost plants.
The larva (caterpillar) of this species is grey on the dorsal side, and yellow on the ventral side. Along theprolegs there is a line of clear markings, as well as markings in the form of an eye, following the line ofspiracles. In the adult, each wing presents a large eyespot. The eyespots on the hindwings are distinct, whereas the eyespots on the forewings are smaller and often duller. These eyespots are visible on both sides of the wing. The apex and outer margin of the forewing are darker than the basal region. The wing venation is similar to that of the Saturniidae. Thewingspan ranges from 80 to 100 millimetres (3.1 to 3.9 in).
The larvae arediurnal, whereas the adults fly only at night, from October to December. When disturbed, adult moths tend to lower the head and abdomen, bringing the forewings forward to expose the large spots on the hindwings, which oscillate from side to side, giving the aggressor the impression that it is being watched by two large eyes (such as an owl), in an attempt to cause the aggressor to refrain from attacking.[1]
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