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Project Noah Nature School
Epicoma melanospila
A cluster of caterpillars bearing large spines as a protection from wasps and fly predators.
On eucalyptus in a habitat reserve.
Spotted on Mar 1, 2014
Submitted on Mar 1, 2014
5 Comments
So it is...
I should have known, actually I did know.
I have seen this one before but the cat was solitary and a bit older, ready to pupate. A typical brown loose pupa in the leaf litter.
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/790...
It pupated, emerged and I have a beaut photo of the confirmed adult.
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/790...
Yes we've been watching those 4-spots. Can't wait to see the cups too. Hope they make it.
Epicoma melanospila ? http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au...
Wicks Reserve. The small tree above the toilet block ;) Might keep an eye out as they grow. The mottled cupmoths also on this tree are huge, and pupating. The four spotted cupmoths are on the tree over the track (uphill) from the tank. They are huge but I'm not certain what their cups look like. Maybe this one? http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/192... . I collected a couple to confirm this tenuous ID.
That's a nice-looking caterpillar. Looks familiar..