Zelotypia stacyi (Australia's Incomparable Giant Hepialid)

[trehopr1]

The Bent-wing Ghost Moth (Zelotypia stacyi) is truly one of the world's outstanding moth species. It is endemic to Australia and is only known from Queensland and New South Wales. It is the only species of its genus. It was named by Scott in 1869. The larva feeds and pupates in the trunks and branches of Eucalyptus. I am unsure if it is specific to a particular species of Eucalyptus. This is the giant among Hepialid moths the world over. Females usually span fully 10 inches wingtip to wingtip.

This moth for me has long been one of my "holy grail" species which I have long desired. If you see this species at all in private collections it has probably been there a long time (acquired most likely prior to the 1980's); or is from an old collection and then acquired by the present owner. As one can imagine such a prize as this is seldom seen at auction or rarely for sale.

For those members with a penchant for entomological history; this picture is for you. I took this picture back in the mid-1990's when I was working as a Technical assistant (Division of Insects / Field Museum). This pair before you were once proudly owned by Herman F. Strecker himself ! They are the only ones he ever acquired in his life. He passed away in 1901. Many of his exotic Lepidoptera seemed to have been acquired largely during the 1880's and 1890's. That is my personal assessment after having looked over his collection repeatedly over an 8 year period. The museum purchased this important historical collection in 1908 but, had to store it away for many years as the museum building itself was not actually built and finished for moving in until early 1921.

Surprisingly, despite the years the collection suffered no damage. The specimens throughout are generally very beautifully prepared (an apparent labor of love) with no dermestid damage present. Of note, in the photo is the header label above the 2 specimens which is in Strecker's own hand writing. All of his Lepidoptera species had these hand written header labels. I would also add that this pair is most likely among some of the first pairs ever offered to collectors back in the day. Apologies for not having a crisper image but, this is a photo of my photo. I would welcome any specimen photo's which members can show us (if you have this prize). Also, anything more information-wise which other members might know would be much appreciated.

[nomad]

Very nice, write up on this spectacular moth.  Are there any reasons for this species being rare in the wild and then missing from collections. I was not too surprised that the Ghost Moths are very popular with collectors, especially after seeing some of the giant green and orange Hepialids species at Juvisy.  When I was younger, I would sit in a field at dusk and watch the pure white Ghost Moths swinging to and fro as if on a pendulum, waiting for the amorous brown females to fly in and knock them to the ground to mate.

[trehopr1]

This fabulous moth has for a long time been something of an enigma in most private collections. I believe the reasoning for this is two part. Firstly, Australia was one of the first countries to enact widespread and sweeping "faunal protection" laws. Effectively, putting an end to any trade in its endemic wildlife. Secondly, demand far outstripped supply of any good examples that did come available. As always, those collectors with good connections AND a willing pocketbook got first "dibs"; with few examples filtering down to average collectors.

Considering also this species unique life history and the fact that it's large larvae are considered delicacies (by aboriginal people) only helps to drive home the point that it was most likely un-common at best where it could be found.

Below, I have posted a wonderful print which I purchased over the internet. This print was done by Frohawk and he was apparently so taken with the species that he presented it in a book of his !

[nomad]

A interesting link to this species.

johngrehan.net/index.php/hepialidae/zelotypia

To enlarge this images in the article click on them.

[trehopr1]

Thank You Nomad so much for the fine detective work on your part ! Bravo...
I find it very informative that it is not specific to one species of eucalyptus and,
that it is very much a costal species in New South Wales. Apparently, eucalyptus
species don't grow very far inland.

[bobw]

Someone had one of these for sale at Frankfurt yesterday. I believe they wanted 1100 Euros for it.

Bob

[trehopr1]

That seems to be in the general neighborhood of what one of these fetches these days. In Feb. 2013 a German dealer on EBay had a A- male (at 180mm) advertised at $1000 U.S. It was from an old collection with a 1920 date. I have heard of the larger females fetching 1500.00 plus... (when in A1 condition).