Will they visit?: Helena Gum Moths will frequently visit home gardens
Natural Distribution: Common and widespread throughout the South West and Perth region
opodiphthera helena – Alan Melville (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). Atlas of Living Australia
opodiphthera helena – dhfischer (CC BY-NC 4.0). Atlas of Living Australia
opodiphthera helena – Ken Harris (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). Atlas of Living Australia
opodiphthera helena – thylacoleo (CC BY-NC 4.0). Atlas of Living Australia
Habitat at a Glance
See Habitat Guide for more detail
Shelter: Hiding on the bark of trees and shrubs, will visit bug hotels
Diet: Caterpillars feed on eucalytps
Water: Not required
ReWild Benefit: Food for other wildlife
Habitat Guide - Shelter
Natural Shelter
Helena Gum Moths rely on camouflage to stay safe from predators and will often rest on the trunks and branches of eucalypts, hakeas, and grevilleas. Helena Gum Moths will rest conspicuously on walls, windows, and fences without much care for safety.
Novel Shelter
A template of a bug hotel is illustrated below. Things to consider:
Place several bug hotels throughout the garden to avoid disease spread.
Have several smaller hotels throughout the garden to avoid parasite and predator burden.
Position in a north and east position sheltered with dappled shade.
Keep dry and ensure protection from the rain.
Avoid using insecticides around the garden.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
Adult moths do not have functional mouth parts and cannot eat. They survive on the fat stored as a caterpillar. Eucalypts (Jarrah, Marri, Tuart, Wandoo, and mallee species) provide breeding habitat and food for the caterpillars.
Avoid seeds advertised for butterflies and moths as these plants are usually unsuitable for our native moths to breed and have the potential to become serious weeds.
Providing sources of water
Not required.
ReWild Benefits
Moths a major source of food for other wildlife including birds, reptiles, frogs, bats and other mammals. If you see this moth in your garden, record your sighting on Atlas of Living Australia!
