Doratifera vulnerans

Caterpillar of Doratifera vulnerans

During the March outing to the property of Chris and Marlene Norris at 148 Grapetree Road, Crows Nest, a small, brightly coloured caterpillar was found feeding on the leaf of a Eucalypt. It is the larva of Doratifera vulnerans, a moth in the Limacodidae family. The larvae of other members of this family are just as brightly coloured, with unusual protrusions and patterns. These are possibly a warning to creatures who may want to feed on them. Don’t be tempted to touch them, however, as they can extend bristles from some of the bumps on their bodies which produce a fierce burning sensation on human skin.

 

Chrysalis of Doratifera vulnerans

 The caterpillar has reduced legs, and so glides like a slug rather than walking. It grows to about two centimetres long before creating for itself a hard egg-shaped chrysalis about 12 millimetres long, fastened firmly to a twig of a Eucalypt which is the main food plant. When the moth is ready to emerge, from inside it neatly cuts a small round piece from the top off the egg and crawls out to fly away. Their common name is “Cup Moths”. The images show the caterpillar, and a chrysalis (which may not be the same species) in which the moth has died before fully emerging.

 See more pictures and information at http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/lima/lima-cats.html

(Article and photo by Glenda Walter)