Two Moths of the Genus Fraus (Family Hepialidae - Ghost and Swift Moths)

Fraus is genus of moths that are endemic to Australia. They belong to the Hepialidae family which are usually known as Ghost moths or Swift Moths. Fraus are among the smaller moths in the family. There are 25 known species of Fraus, 9 of which are present here in Tasmania.

Not a lot is known of there biology. However, the larvae of Fraus simulans, as seen in the first photo, is known to feed on grasses. The caterpillars live in a silk lined tunnels below the surface. They come up at night to feed.

The second shot is a new species for me. I cannot be sure of it's identity as many of the Fraus moths can be quite similar. My best guess at this stage is that it is Fraus nanus. This one is 16mm head to tail.

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_{( All photos, videos, and text on this blog are by @mostly.nature)}

_{#1. Fraus simulans - I did not get to measure this one but they are generally around 13mm to 16mm in length.}

_{#2. Fraus sp. possibly Fraus nanus - Length 16mm}

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