Gymnoscelis lophopus Turner, 1904
 (one synonym is: Gymnoscelis homogoma Turner, 1907)
EUPITHECIINI,   LARENTIINAE,   GEOMETRIDAE,   GEOMETROIDEA
 
Don Herbison-Evans
(donherbisonevans@yahoo.com)
and
Stella Crossley

Gymnoscelis lophopus
early instars
(Photo: courtesy of Jake Levin)

Early instars of these Caterpillars of this species are green with black markings, and a black head. They are communal.

Gymnoscelis lophopus
later instar
(Photo: courtesy of Jake Levin)

Later instars become yellowish with brownish heads. The caterpillars have been found feeding on

  • Queensland Umbrella Tree ( Schefflera actinophylla, ARALIACEAE ), and
  • Hickory Wattle ( Acacia aulacocarpa, MIMOSACEAE ).

    Pupation occured in a communal web, but the pupae were always more than a few centimetres away from each other or off to the side altogether, always hanging from a single silk strand.

    Gymnoscelis lophopus
    (Photo: courtesy of Ian McMillan, Imbil, Queensland)

    The adult moth has grey-brown patterned wings. Its wingspan is about 1.5 cms.

    The species has been found in :

  • Queensland, and
  • New South Wales.

    Further reading :

    A. Jefferis Turner,
    Revision of Australian Lepidoptera: Family Geometridae,
    Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria,
    Volume 16 (1904), pp. 224-225, No. 3.

    previous
    back
    caterpillar
    Australian
    Australian Butterflies
    butterflies
    Australian
    home
    Lepidoptera
    Australian
    Australian Moths
    moths
    next
    next
    caterpillar

    (written 8 January 2013, updated 9 April 2021)