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Ormiscodes cinnamomea
Spotted several of these spiky Saturnid Moth caterpillars feeding on calafate (Berberis buxifolia) and lenga beech (Nothofagus pumilio) in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. Approximately 6cm long.
Feeding on calafate (Berberis buxifolia) and lenga beech (Nothofagus pumilio) in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.
Saturniid caterpillars are large (50 to 100 mm in the final instar), stout, and cylindrical. Most have tubercules that are often also spiny or hairy. Many are cryptic in coloration, with countershading or disruptive coloration to reduce detection, but some are more colourful. Some have stinging hairs. A few species have been noted to produce clicking sounds with the larval mandibles when disturbed (e.g. Saturniini like Actias luna and the polyphemus moth, Antheraea polyphemus). The clicks may serve as aposematic warning signals to a regurgitation defense. Wikipedia
Superb photos misako. Please check suggestion carefully... caterpillars variable.
Spotted on Jan 12, 2015
Submitted on Feb 3, 2015
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