Philobota stella (A concealer moth)

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The differences between males of Philobota argotoxa and P. stella are subtle. Both have a prominent longitudinal white streak on the costal side of middle of the forewing, extending from the base almost to the apex. In P. stella, the white streak clearly goes to the costa; in P. stella it usually fades away just inside the costa. There are dark spots within the white streak in both species: in P. stella those closest to the base of the forewing often join to form a short oblique dark line; in P. argotoxa the dark spots are all separate and are positioned on the inner edge of the streak.

The part of the forewing inside the white streak is whitish with underlying dark marks in P. stella; in P. argotoxa it is plain grey. If the hindwings can be seen, those in P. stella are plain mid-grey compared to either a darker grey or a pale yellow in.P. argotoxa. The cilia on the male antennae of both species are short, fine and dense.

Females are more easily distinguished. P. stella have plain grey forewings with underlying dark marks; whereas P. argotoxa has a faint to prominent white streak,like that of the male.

The top of the head in both species is variably light or dark.

Philobota stella is listed in the following regions:

Canberra & Southern Tablelands