CASTNIIDAE (Sunmoths) of Australia SESIOIDEA

Don Herbison-Evans (donherbisonevans@yahoo.com) and Stella Crossley

CASTNIIDAE caterpillars

CASTNIIDAE moths

CASTNIIDAE undersides

CASTNIIDAE forewings

The Caterpillars of the species in this family in general feed on the roots of various types of grass and sedge. The moths are unusual as they fly during daylight hours, and have clubbed antennae like butterflies. The 27 named Australian representatives are:

Synemon arkaroola : Arkaroola Sun Moth
Synemon austera : Austere Sun Moth
Synemon brontias : Serious Sun Moth
Synemon catocaloides : Showy Sun Moth
Synemon collecta : Striated Sun Moth
Synemon directa : White-banded Sun Moth
Synemon discalis : Small Orange-spotted Sun Moth
Synemon gratiosa : Gracious Sun Moth
Synemon heliopis : Solar Sun Moth

Synemon ignita : Kangaroo Island Sun Moth
Synemon jcaria : Reddish-orange Sun Moth
Synemon laeta : Cheerful Sun Moth

Synemon larissa : Larissa's Sun Moth
Synemon leucospila : Yellow-spotted Sun Moth
Synemon magnifica : Magnificent Sun Moth
Synemon maja : Major Sun Moth
Synemon nais : Orange Sun Moth
Synemon notha : Bastard Sun Moth
Synemon nupta : Bridal Sun Moth
Synemon obscurella : Obscure Sun Moth
Synemon parthenoides : Link Moth
Synemon phaeoptila : Shiny Sun Moth
Synemon plana : Golden Sun Moth
Synemon selene : Pale Sun Moth
Synemon sophia : Sophia's Sun Moth
Synemon theresa : Crypic Sun Moth
Synemon wulwulam : Wulwulam Sun Moth

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(updated 31 May 2014, 7 April 2025)