Parapoynx diminutalis (Snellen 1880)
Parapoynx diminutalis is found in Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory and Western Australia. We have only seen this moth once in November. Being an aquatic moth it may breed in our small rainforest pond and local creeks and rivers.
An unnamed species of Parapoynx
Larval foodplant
Eggs of the larvae of Parapoynx are laid in masses on the submerged aquatic weed Hydrilla verticillata. The larva is creamy white with a yellowish-brown head and branched gills which distinguish it from other pond moth species. It makes a case from pieces of the foodplant stem to move around in and pupate within.
Like other pond moths, the adult moth does not have gills but is able to lay eggs and hatch from under water.
