The Gum Leaf Skeletoniser

.....Uraba lugens

The Gum Leaf Skeletoniser is better known for the damage it does to Eucalyptus leaves than for the moth itself. At this time of year I find hundreds if not thousands of these caterpillars up the back of our place.

The caterpillars are gregarious and feed on the surface of the leaf, leaving behind just the veins or skeleton as can be seen in photo #6 below. Each time they shed their skin the old head capsule is retained like a little party hat until you end up with 3 or 4 stacked up high.

If disturbed they will all jump overboard and hang from a thread. That's what enabled me to get the shot of the underside in photo #3.

(Click on Photos to Enlarge)

#1 - The Gum Leaf Skeletoniser - Uraba lugens

#2 - The Gum Leaf Skeletoniser - Uraba lugens
Carrying two old head capsules which would suggest it is a third instar larva.

#3 - The Gum Leaf Skeletoniser - Uraba lugens

Defense tactic of dropping from a leaf attached by a thread of silk.

#4 - The Gum Leaf Skeletoniser - Uraba lugens
Gregarious in nature

#5 - The Gum Leaf Skeletoniser - Uraba lugens
Various instars

#6 - Leaf damage caused by the The Gum Leaf Skeletoniser - Uraba lugens

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