Geometrids were quite numerous, one of the first in was (Azelina) biplaga, (Lithinini), the larvae of this moth feed on the fronds of Bracken Fern.

Acute Point-moth.

Also with the larval food Bracken Fern, Idiodes apicata. (Lithinini)

Bracken Moth.

Later in the night several Scioglyptis lyciaria, (Boarmiini) settled on the back of the rig. All were males, the larvae of this moth feed on a variety of different foliage.

White-patch Bark Moth.

Always nice to see, the Showy Geometrid, Niceteria macrocosma, (Boarmiini)

Going way down in size, a Plume Moth Platyptilia emissalis, (Pterophoridae), these have been scarce for some time. The larvae feed on Speedwell species, in the garden moths have been seen on both Veronica perfoliata and derwentiana.

The adult of the Eggfruit Caterpillar, Sceliodes cordalis, (Crambidae) showing a typical pose with its body curled up over its head. Larval foods include plants in the Solanum family.

An Orange Cup Moth, Pseudanapaea transvestita.

And a Noctuid, Proteuxoa restituta.

Black-bodied Noctuid.

Most images will enlarge.

This moth survey, the first of an on-going series, was held in an area of privately owned foothill forest that is unspoiled by fire or human activity, and managed for conservation. Habitat such as this is very hard to find in this day and age, and is of vital significance for both vertebrate and invertebrate fauna. It acts as a reservoir of species that can spread out and re-colonise other areas recovering after fire or other disturbance.  This survey was held in an area of open bush, future visits will take place in denser habitat with slightly different vegetation profiles. Being autumn it was expected that Hepialids would be flying in, but strangely this was not the case.  Early arrivals were small moths, with an unusual number of Asura lydia coming in during the night, larvae are lichen feeders.

Among the first larger moths to arrive were Discophlebia celaena, (Oenosandridae)

Male.

Female showing a lot of brown colour and strong black markings.

Among the small moths there were quite a few Footmen including one Scoliacma nana, the Diminutive Footman. Although not uncommon this was a first record.

Another first record was Stibaroma MOV sp(2) (Nacophorini) Two early records were from Noorinbee and Yackandandah, and in 2015 it was recorded at Fairy Dell, north of Wiseleigh. Several individuals came to the light so there must be a substantial population at this site sixty kilometres further west. Not all in the species have the pale cream markings, but it appears to be quite common here.

Males.

Female.

Most images will enlarge, to be continued.
References and further reading, Moths of Victoria, Volumes 2, 5.