An Anthelid Moth

.....Anthela repleta

I feel pretty certain this is Anthela repleta. For the sake of accuracy I'll mention that A. repleta and A. acuta both seem to be quite variable and overlap a little in their appearance. It's a male as can can be seen from the broadly bipectinate (feathery) antennae.

This one was found in the moth trap two nights ago. The adults of the suborder Anthelinae only have vestigal mouthparts and thus cannot feed or drink. They therefore have to rely fully on the fat reserves which were built up during the larval stage. The larvae of both the above mentioned species feed on Acacia spp.

(Click on Photos to Enlarge)

#1 - Anthela repleta - Dorsal view

#2 - Anthela repleta - Frontal view

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