DISTRIBUTION:

The Attacus wardi moth (wingspan: males: 145mm; females: larger // forewing length: males: 82-86mm; females: 94-96mm) flies in the Northern Territory near Darwin in
Australia and is also recorded in Queensland.

This is a relatively small species.

On April 14, 2014, Jim Tuttle sends the following image of a wild male: "Image of a wild adult, one of among 33 seen in a single night. Not bad for a species that was thought extinct for almost 100 years!"

Attacus wardi male, Dundee Beach, Northern Territory, Australia,
courtesy of Jim Tuttle, slight digital repair by Bill Oehlke.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths have been observed December-April, suggesting one or two flights. Larvae will probably accept privet (confirmed by Jim Tuttle). Jim reports the natural hosts are Croton habrophylus (Euphorbiaceae) and Litsea glutinosa (Lauraceae).

Attacus wardi female, from University of Queensland Insect Collection

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females extend a scent gland and emit an airbourne pheromone into the night sky. Males fly into the wind and pick up the scent with their highly developed antennae.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are relatively large. Larvae pass through five instars and the double-walled cocoon hangs from the tree via a strong silken peduncle.

Jim Tuttle writes, "Thought I would send an image soon after it molted into the 5th instar and before the detail was hidden by the typical Attacus 'wax' build-up. A full-fed image will follow...."

Attacus wardi fifth instar (fresh molt), Australia,
courtesy of Jim Tuttle.

This species was recently thought to be near extinction. It is first time a larval image of Attacus wardi appears on WLSS. Jim has subsequently sent me images of first, second, fourth and an additional fifth instar.

Attacus wardi first instar on privet, Australia,
courtesy of Jim Tuttle.

Attacus wardi second instar on privet, Australia,
courtesy of Jim Tuttle.

Attacus wardi fourth instar on privet, Australia,
courtesy of Jim Tuttle.

Attacus wardi fifth instar on privet, Australia,
courtesy of Jim Tuttle.

Larval Food Plants

It is hoped that this alphabetical listing followed by the common name of the foodplant will prove useful. The list is not exhaustive. Experimenting with closely related foodplants is worthwhile.

Croton habrophylus Ligustrum vulgare (JT) ....... Litsea glutinosa

Croton habrophylus Privet soft bollygum, bolly beech, bollywood, bollygum, brown bollygum

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