People living in Adelaide Hill are in close contact with a giant moth these days. Don't worry if you see it. They're harmless and live for a few days.
The autumn rain has washed out moths living on Adelaide Hills these days, prompting complaints on social networks.
A local biologist says these "pretty" moths are completely harmless and soon die when they find a partner.
Chris Daniel, a professor at UniSA, says the moths generally live in Hills and nearby areas, or where there are eucalyptus trees.
"they're big, and that's why people are surprised," he said. "A lot of people think they're bats, but they're totally harmless. They don't bite. They usually eat mangrove and blue gum on their roots, so they live underground for years. Although they move several times in a year, the first autumn rain usually wakes them up, and they come out looking for a partner and die. "
"they are an important part of our region," said Professor Daniel. "when they mate, they lay eggs, and in the autumn rain they can put the eggs directly into the soft, moist soil so that their larvae can continue to eat gum life."
These moths are also often used as bait. Natives used to eat them and, according to social networks, they are still good chicken feed.
"they're a really good bait, and a lot of people who fish like that," Professor Daniel said. "you can actually eat them. Indigenous people used to eat them. But you should also note that if you play tennis at night, the lights will attract a lot of moths. If you see a hole about the size of the middle finger in the eucalyptus tree, it's that they're looking for a mate. "
"they usually only have one or two rains, and then they disappear," he said. "but people who like to play tennis at night still hate them, after all, it's scary to have such a big thing coming to you all of a sudden."
People on Facebook say this is the case.
Sally-"our dogs picked up several of them last week and now the yard is full of empty cocoons."
Doug-"this moth is very suitable for catching yellow bass and small silver fish."
Bel-"We collected about 100 cocoons last week, all of them for chickens. They love to eat."
Scott-"that's the answer to my daughter's question. She asked me where these brown cocoons came from."
Karen-"my dragon-bearded lizard loves them."
Natalie-"it's a terrible thing. They go to the window, and in our house they're called dinosaur moths."
Kerensa-"I kind of like them coming out as soon as it rains. It makes me feel healthy in our environment."