Large Moonbeam

Philiris diana

Blues, coppers and hairstreaks (Lycaenidae)

Also called Diana Moonbeam

The Large Moonbeam (Philiris diana) is a butterfly found in Australia, in the family Lycaenidae, the blues, coppers and hairstreaks. This site lists 2 subspecies: Philiris diana diana and Philiris diana papuanus. Its caterpillars are known to feed on 2 plants: Litsea breviumbellata and Litsea sp.. This page has 8 photos of its life cycle (final instar caterpillars, pupae and adults) by Bob Miller.

Subspecies

Life cycle of the Large Moonbeam

Large Moonbeam caterpillars (final instar)

  • Final instar larva, side view: Large Moonbeam (Philiris diana papuanus)
    Side view
  • Final instar larva, top view: Large Moonbeam (Philiris diana papuanus)
    Top view

Large Moonbeam pupae

  • Pupa, side view: Large Moonbeam (Philiris diana papuanus)
    Side view
  • Pupa, top view: Large Moonbeam (Philiris diana papuanus)
    Top view

Large Moonbeam adults

  • Adult, male, upperside: Large Moonbeam (Philiris diana papuanus)
    Male, upperside
  • Adult, male, underside: Large Moonbeam (Philiris diana papuanus)
    Male, underside
  • Adult, female, upperside: Large Moonbeam (Philiris diana papuanus)
    Female, upperside
  • Adult, female, underside: Large Moonbeam (Philiris diana papuanus)
    Female, underside

Photos by Bob Miller. Free to use for any purpose (CC0). Select a photo to enlarge it or download the original. Using these photos. Add your own photo of this butterfly.

Caterpillar food plants

2 known food plants.