Melanodes

Melanodes is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae. Its only species, Melanodes anthracitaria, the black geometrid, is found in Australia, more specifically in southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. The genus and species were described by Achille Guenée in 1857.[1]

Melanodes
Scientific classification
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Melanodes

Guenée, 1857
Species:
M. anthracitaria
Binomial name
Melanodes anthracitaria
Guenée, 1857
Synonyms
  • Praxis corvus Walker, [1858]

Both the larvae and the adults have two forms. The caterpillars can be green or brown. The adults are slate grey with black wavy lines. One form has pale yellow bands on the wings, which are not present on the other form.

The wingspan is about 50 mm for females and 40 mm for males. The moth flies from August to January depending on the location.

The larvae feed on Eucalyptus species.

References

  1. Savela, Markku. "Melanodes Guenée, 1857". Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms. Retrieved 2 April 2019.


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