Community planting day to protect the endangered Southern Pink Underwing Moth
Just when you think you’ve seen all the flora and fauna South East Queensland has to offer, nature surprises you with something truly extraordinary.
Meet the endangered Southern Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis smithersi) – a rare rainforest species found only in small pockets of lowland rainforest in South East Queensland and northern New South Wales.
This delicate (and seriously spooky) rainforest moth is facing serious threats from habitat loss, fragmentation and invasive species.
The Southern Pink Underwing Moth larvae in all its glory. Don’t let the glare of this moth scare you away! Credit: Paul Donatiu
As larvae, they start out as a dull brown, and as they mature they develop a chilling head display resembling two eyes and a large set of teeth. When disturbed, they curl forward to present a dramatic display to predators.
Once fully grown, the moth reveals a brilliant array of pink and white spots on its large 14 cm wingspan. It’s a spectacular sight but rare.
The survival of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth depends entirely on a single rainforest climber: the Carronia vine (Carronia multisepalea). These fussy little larvae feed exclusively on it – and the vine itself relies on a healthy rainforest canopy and understorey to thrive.
Environmental Project Manager, Chelsea Kluske, showcasing a fully grown Carronia vine.
A community effort to restore habitat
Recently, team members Chelsea Kluske, Natalie Taylor and Miranda Rew-Duffy joined forces with Barung Landcare, Sunshine Coast Council and an incredible group of volunteers for a community planting day in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
To support the Carronia vine, rainforest plants were planted first to help regenerate the canopy and understorey – laying the groundwork for a thriving habitat.
Team members Miranda Rew-Duffy and Natalie Taylor getting their hands dirty at the community planting day.
What happened on the planting day
- Over 500 native tubestock were planted in just one morning.
- A dense native microforest was created using locally grown rainforest plants and heavy mulch.
- Natural rainforest regeneration was mimicked to boost canopy cover, suppress weeds, and improve moisture retention.
These efforts are part of a broader initiative supported by the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species grant, which aims to restore and enhance critical rainforest habitat across the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast hinterlands.
Read more about the Southern Pink Underwing Moth and what we’re doing to improve and re-establish its natural habitat.
Some authors have also been inspired to write a picture book about this fascinating moth! Read more here.
This project received funding from the Australian Government Saving Native Species Program and is delivered in collaboration with Barung Landcare.
