This will be the first post dealing with locally photographed members of the family Hepialidae, and will cover just two genera due to the number of photographs. Those genera are Fraus, and Elhamma. The genus Fraus is endemic to Australia, and although there are at least six likely to be found in this part of Gippsland, only two have so far come to my light, Fraus simulans, and Fraus pteromela, both associated with dry forest areas and grass/sedges. These are small moths and are considered evolutionary primitive, (MOV 6). Both fly in autumn.
F. simulans female.
F. pteromela male.
F. pteromela female.
Elhamma australasiae is the only member of the genus, and can come to the light in large numbers during the flight times of January to April, it is relatively small in size compared to other members of the family. Males can be quite variable in colour and pattern as seen in the following images.
Females are plain and can be larger than the males.
When in flight, individuals can display eye catching colour on the hind wings.
Click images to enlarge.
References and further reading,
Moths of Victoria Volume 6.