Inchworm moth (Geometridae Ennominae Abraxas illuminata - Warren, 1894)

MUV light trapped at Kadoorie Farm on September 16, 2001.  The male and female moths are similar in appearance.  The wing spotting can vary considerably in terms of size, but the pattern remains consistent, and different from Abraxas amicula.  Also, A. amicula has cream colored wings, contrasted with illuminata's white coloring.  The larvae imaged below are from three different broods found feeding together on December 17, 2001 on Lugard Road, Victoria Peak, Hong Kong.  They were feeding on Celastraceae Celastrus hindsii.


Probably 2nd instar larvae
about 5 mm / 0.2 inch long
Dec 17, 2001


Middle sized instar, about half grown.
about 1.4 cm / 0.5 inch long


One of the larvae from the first image above;
about 2.2 cm / 0.9 inch long
January 24, 2002.

Mature larvae in typical posture
about 3.3 cm / 1.3 inch long


Pupation took place in a very loose cocoon on Dec 22, 2001.

Geometrid moth in rest position
The moth in rest position

Moth, top & underside views
Top and Underside views of moth
Wingspan was about 4.7 cm / 1.8 inches
Comparing the two dorsal views above will show that the wing
 patterns may vary, but overall dot placement remains constanst.
 
 
 
 

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