A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Chrysomelidae sp.
Specific species ID not yet confirmed. Some beetles, particularly Eucalyptus beetles, resemble caterpillars as young larvae. They are mostly vegetarian in both forms. Larvae eat and grow as a group and there are many different types and colours of beetle larvae.
Eucalyptus forests, gardens, vegetation in all areas of the country. These ones on Eucalyptus (Spotted Gum) sapling devouring leaves.
2 Comments
Thanks martinl. I was hoping someone may have the exact ID. I'll have a look at those sites mentioned.
I think these are the Larvae of Chrysomelidae beetles and are technically grubs. They have a very similar lifestyle as sawfly larvae and both use eucalyptus toxins as a deterrent. Sawflies are more elongated than the grubs. Here are two examples of leaf beetles and two examples of sawflies.
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/888...
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/427...
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/128...
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/101...