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Torch ginger and Tussock Moth Calliteara horsfieldii

YC Wee
on 28th August 2016

Calliteara horsfieldii-moth

I have been growing kantan or torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) for many years now. I use the unopened flower buds for cooking curries to provide the distinct aroma. It is also use in rojak (local spicy fruit salad).

So far the flowers attracted sunbirds although in other locations Little Spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra) has been documented.

Recently I have added the Tussock Moth Calliteara horsfieldii to the fauna associated with this plant (above).

Calliteara horsfieldii cocoon

The cocoon was found attached a leaf (above). In due course a white moth emerged (top, below).

Calliteara horsfieldii-moth

Foo Jit Leang of Seletar Country Club’s Butterfly Garden helped put a name to the moth, supplied the image of the caterpillar shown below and directed me to the paper authored by Dr Leong Tzi Ming on this moth HERE .

Calliteara horsfieldii-cat [FooJitLeang].jpg

YC Wee & Foo Jit Leang
Singapore
9th August 2016

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

Bird Society of Singapore: A credible alternative to the Nature Society’s Bird Group

11th December 2023

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30th August 2023

Singapore-Nature: 16. Living close to nature

18th August 2023

Singapore’s secret “garden”

20th July 2023

Singapore-Nature: 15. Looking versus studying birds

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Any views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

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