Thursday, 20 November 2008

Caterpillars

Below are a few caterpillar photos from today. This is the first time I've found Hakea Moth larvae - Oenochroma vinaria in the backyard although I certainly see the moths often enough at the light trap.

(Click to Enlarge Photos)

#1- Hakea Moth - Oenochroma vinaria - Defensive posture


#2 - Hakea Moth - Oenochroma vinaria feeding on Hakea decurrens
Note only the cuticle is being eaten.


#3 - Crexa Moth - Genduara punctigera feeding on Exocarpos cupressiformis


#4 - Helena Gum Moth - Opodiphthera helena - 1st (left) and 2nd (right) instars


#5 - Helena Gum Moth - Opodiphthera helena - 2nd instar


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9 comments:

  1. DuncanNovember 21, 2008

    That Hakea Moth larva is just as striking as the adult moth Mosura, very interesting post, I'll have to start looking for grubs!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tyto TonyNovember 21, 2008

    If the Hakea is an imported plant, are the moths imports too?

    ReplyDelete
  3. MosuraNovember 21, 2008

    Thanks Duncan - Yes they are good looking caterpillar.

    Thanks Tony - No it's not an import. The Hakeas were planted by me because the species is said to have once been widespread in this area. However, the caterpillar also feeds on Banksias and the hill at my place has plenty of Banksia marginata.

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  4. Denis WilsonNovember 22, 2008

    Hi Mosura
    In case you missed it, Bushranger had photos yesterday of caterpillars - which she did not identify. Can you help with at least general group suggested IDs?
    Cheers
    Denis

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 22, 2008

    I love those Crexa moth catapillars, very smart looking. What does the moth look like please Alan? Just curious.

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  6. sunNovember 23, 2008

    hi i like appreciate ur hard work here because I am also nature lover and fond of getting knowledge about nature and forests of different locations. Hope to get some more deep knowledge about the greenaries of tasmania too in future like there's trees, vegetables, more about species etc. But this is also nice.

    ReplyDelete
  7. MosuraNovember 24, 2008

    Thanks Denis - Mission accomplished.

    Thanks Jenny - You can see the adult moth here

    Thanks Sun - Glad you found something of interest.

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  8. Emma PerryMarch 17, 2010

    We were in Tasmania last week and found what, to us, was a really unusual caterpillar.

    Do you think you can help us identify it?!

    ReplyDelete
  9. MosuraMarch 18, 2010

    Thanks Emma - If it's the one in your Tasmania photo album, then it is a Helena Gum Moth, Opodiphthera helena

    You can see what it will turn in to here

    ReplyDelete

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