Southern Pink Underwing Moth - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Phyllodes imperialis southern subspecies

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Gazetted date: 05 Dec 2003

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

The Southern Pink Underwing Moth Phyllodes imperialis smithersi is named for the brilliant pink patches on its dark hindwing (which also have eight white spots on the trailing edge). The grey/brown forewings are approximately 6cm long with white spots on the underside. When at rest the moth resembles a dead leaf. Young caterpillars are dull brown. However, as they mature they develop a dramatic 'head' display when alarmed: two large 'eye' spots and a double row of white 'teeth'. The pupal stage is a bronze-coloured 5cm case consisting of silk and leaves surrounded by metallic brown bands.

Distribution

The Southern Pink Underwing Moth is distributed from Nambour in south-eastern Queensland to Bellingen in northern NSW. In NSW it is known to occur in a small number of localities from the QLD border to Wardell, and there is a disjunct population in the Bellingen area.

Habitat and ecology

The Southern Pink Underwing Moth is found in subtropical rainforest below about 600 m elevation.
Potential breeding habitat is restricted to areas where the caterpillar's food plant, a native rainforest vine, Carronia multisepalea, occurs in subtropical rainforest.
Adult Southern Pink Underwing Moths require the low light conditions of the rainforest in order to breed.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Clearing or disturbance of remnant patches of rainforest habitat for development and agriculture.
Risk of local extinction due to restricted distribution and low numbers.
Weed invasion of rainforest remnants particularly by exotic vine species.
Use of rainforest remnants by domestic stock for shelter and grazing.
Insufficient understanding of taxonomy.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Protect areas of rainforest habitat.
Support weed control in areas of habitat.
Encourage regeneration of habitat and protect with fencing.
Support research into distribution and ecology of the species.

Information sources

Clarke, G.M. and Spier-Ashcroft, F. (2003) A review of the conservation status of selected Australian non-marine invertebrates.
Hunter, R.L. (1939) The Pink Underwing Moth. North Queensland Naturalist 7: 1-2.
NSW Scientific Committee. (2003) Phyllodes imperialis, southern subspecies (a moth) - endangered species listing.
Sands, D.P.A. (2012) Review of Australian Phyllodes imperialis Druce (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) with description of a new subspecies from subtropical Australia. Australian Entomologist 39: 281-292

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Coffs Coast and Escarpment	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Woodenbong	Predicted	None

Images

Southern Pink Underwing Moth, Tweed Valley Image 1 of 4.
View slideshow.

Related information

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