yellow burr weed

[Shirley Henderson]

Also a 100% identification will assist the process. Ill see if I can find out who can do this for you.
Shirley

[Shirley Henderson]

http://www.ento.csiro.au/aicn/name_c/a_689.htm

I asume this may be a moth that controls Caltrop. No pic yet but I will try to find more info.

Also found this info

Biological control
There is some potential for the control of
caltrop and yellow vine using biological control
agents. However, potential biological control
agents that have been effective overseas may
not be permitted entry into Australia as they
could potentially damage the native species of
Tribulus.
Nevertheless, in Australia the seeds of caltrop
and yellow vine are sometimes attacked by
the larvae of a small native moth (Ephysteris
subdiminutella ferritincta). The level of
infestations can be quite high, particularly late in
the season, but overall the impact of the insect
is low.
There is also a native mite (Eriophyes tribuli),
which causes hair-like growth on stems and
leaves. If present on caltrop or yellow vine
plants early enough this mite can prevent
flowering, and in turn seed production.
from
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets ... altrop.pdf

[duane]

Good detective work Shirley and Jenni....seems you have got a good biological control.

The moth is Ephysteris subdiminutella ferritincta. The link to the DPI article above shows a photo similar to the one Jenni posted.