Phyllodes imperialis

The wingspan is 130–170 mm. The "leaf-shaped" forewings are grey brown and show a distinctive white or yellow marking which vary somewhat among populations. The ventral side of the forewing has a discal, dark-brown patch containing three white spots. The hindwings are dark brown to black with a large central pink patch extending to the inner margin, to which the common name "pink underwing moth" refers.

Early instars of the caterpillar are dull brown, but green individuals are also observed. Mature caterpillars are dark brown to reddish brown and show large eyespots. These are composed of a black pupil surrounded by a blue, then yellow ring. Between and below the eyespots are white markings, often described as looking like teeth, and resemble the teeth from a cartoon skeleton.[1]

The following subspecies are known:[2]

• Phyllodes imperialis imperialis from the Solomon Islands
• Phyllodes imperialis dealbata from New Caledonia and Vanuatu
• Phyllodes imperialis meyricki from the north of Australia and Papua New Guinea
• Phyllodes imperialis smithersi from the southeast of Queensland and the northeast of New South Wales

The larvae feed on Menispermaceae species, including Carronia multisepala and Pycnarrhena australiana.

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  Female, dorsal view
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  Female, ventral view
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  Male, dorsal view
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  Male, ventral view

• Druce, H. (1888). "Descriptions of new species of Lepidoptera". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. (6): 234–242.

• Caterpillar Eyespots – blog
• "Pink Underwing Moth: Rarity found on a Land for Wildlife property" – Land for Wildlife