Sub Family: Necrosciinae

Foodplant in captivity: Bramble

Humidity requirements: I have a feeling that this species suffers if kept in too high a humidity level.  I currently keep mine in a glass tank that has a mesh lid, and I spray only 2-3 times a week.

Comment: This is a new species to me.  At a recent PSG meeting I acquired a young pair, but unfortunately the male matured and died before the female had a chance to become an adult.  This often happens with insects: the males mature well before the females, presumably to prevent in-breeding of related pairs.

As with other Phaenopharos spp., adult Phaenopharos struthioneus male and females have small colourful hindwings that are unsuitable for flying, but are useful as a method of frightening away potential predators.

The body of the female (during the later instars and the adult stage) is very pale, almost white coloured.  The male is almost completely brown.

Defence tactics: Mainly camouflage.