Although they are always installed with particular species in mind, we are constantly finding new residents in nestboxes.

This box had fallen from a tree on private property in East Albury and has obviously been in use before it fell – evidenced by the stringybark nest. Now it is the hiding place of a Southern Moon moth (Dasypodia selenophora).

This large moth will be familiar to many as it is quite common in Eastern Australia. It is notable because of the distinctive ‘eye’ spots on the wings. Also known as the Southern Old Lady moth, they are grey to orange brown, with a furry body, and often out and about at this time of year laying eggs.

The Southern Moon moth likes to find somewhere sheltered to hibernate – often in our houses and sheds, and has an amazing capacity to stay perfectly still, sometimes for many months. This box was obviously chosen as a good spot!