Life History Comparisons of Ground‐ and Canopy‐Nesting Populations of Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich‐Schaffer (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae): Evidence for Two Species?

Abstract

Populations of Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich‐Schaffer display different larval behaviours (ground‐nesting and canopy‐nesting), suggesting the existence of two or more species. Here, the behaviour and biology of ground‐nesting populations are described from extensive surveys in southeastern Queensland. Females oviposit at the base of the host tree, covering the eggs with scales from the anal tuft. The larvae are processionary and pass through eight instars. First instars do not feed, remaining at the base of the tree trunk within the scale mass. Second instars ascend the tree in single file in the morning to feed in the canopy each day, returning to the scale mass after several hours. Later instars feed only at night. Six new host plants are recorded: five species of Acacia, and one species of Casuarina. Predators and parasitoids recorded on 0. lunifer included chalcidoids, dermestids, tachinids and a predatory pyrrhocorid bug. The results of the study highlight a number of major differences between ground‐nesting and canopy‐nesting populations. Differences include habitat and geographical distribution; host plant range; number of instars; size and colour of final instar; size of adult female; oviposition site and larval behaviour. These differences provide further evidence for the existence of two species.