DISTRIBUTION:

Opodiphthera engaea, formerly and erroneously Antheraea engea (wingspan: males: 79mm; females 88mm), is found inland in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales in
Australia.

It has been reported in south-western Queensland to north-western New South Wales.

The moth is yellow, with a single brown eyespot in the middle of each wing, and a diffuse brown to dark grey line across each fore wing parallel to the outer margin.

Opodiphthera engaea male, 79mm,
courtesy of Bjorn Fjellstad.

Opodiphthera engaea female, 88mm,
courtesy of Bjorn Fjellstad.

Bjorn Fjellstad reports there is also a brown form in both males and females.

Opodiphthera engaea male, Queensland, Cunnamulla,
March 1, 1958, from CSIRO

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in February-March and November.

Larvae feed on various species of Mistletoe (Loranthaceae: Amyema).

Opodiphthera engaea pair
from University of Queensland Insect Collection

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

The females extend a scent gland from the posterior tip of the abdomen to call in the yellow, night-flying males.

Opodiphthera engaea female, Queensland, Quilpie,
February 19, 1931, from CSIRO

Opodiphthera engaea female, Queensland, Charleville,
November 7, 1972, from CSIRO

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Larvae usually pupate in a tough oval cocoon affixed to plants growing below or on the host.

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.

Loranthaceae: Amyema .......

mistletoe

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