The Rain Moth (Abantiades atripalpis) is a large moth seen after heavy rain in Autumn. They are found in Melbourne and other parts of southern Australia. Their larvae live under the ground and eat roots. When the larvae metamorphose and emerge as moths, a discarded casing (above left) can be seen on the ground at the exit of the burrow. The adult moths (above right) are mostly grey with two small silver flash markings on each wing. They only live long enough to mate and for the females to scatter thousands of eggs onto the ground. The eggs wash into gaps and crevices then hatch into the next season's larvae.

Robert Deane