Everyone loves tomatoes; perhaps none moreso than the tomato leafminer! The lifecycle of this moth revolves almost entirely around tomatos and other nightshade plants; eggs are laid on the leaves or stems, the larvae bore into the plant and its fruit and eat as much as they can, and adults will also feed incidentally on leaves as they mate and lay their eggs.

Anacampsis levipedella has the common name “Silver-dashed Anacampsis” but its specific name translates to “light-footed,” which is fitting given its habit of dancing!

this species is part of the twirler moth family (Gelechiidae), its name alluding to a similar behavior of many micromoths to dance on leaf surfaces like this. the reason for the dances isn’t yet fully known, but they do it a lot; every time I scared this moth off it would do a series of twirls before settling back down.

this pair was preoccupied with mating and less able to twirl, and sat still for photos.

Orange-banded Tripudia Moth (Tripudia flavofasciata). Family Noctuidae, order Lepidoptera.

Painted Lichen Moth (Hypoprepia fucosa). Family Erebidae, order Lepidoptera.

Orange Beggar (Eubaphe unicolor). Family Geometridae, order Lepidoptera.

Splendid Palpita Moth (Palpita magniferalis). Family Crambidae, order Lepidoptera.

Red-necked Peanutworm Moth (Stegasta bosqueella). Family Gelechiidae, order Lepidoptera.

Rather interesting looking twirler moth that I unfortunately haven't found ID for. Its dark colour helps it blend in well, as there are many dead bits of leaves around which have turned completely black.

16/01/24 - Gelechiidae sp.

Bug of the Day

Twirler moth (Gelechiidae)

✤ Atashthalistis ochreoviridella - Gelechiidae

(Food plants include: Macaranga species)