Giacomo Zanello, Endangered Mask (ANIMAL & NATURE 2024)

This is a series of images of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth at the larval stage, which is an endangered species found in subtropical rainforests in north-east New South Wales and south-east Queensland. The caterpillar features two impressive ‘eyes’ with a double row of white ‘teeth’ spots below the false eyes. The larvae eat Carronia Vine leaves, while adult moths feed on the soft fruits of native rainforest plants. The moths depend on subtropical rainforests, destruction and degradation of these habitats have caused severe declines in their population.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.