Emperor gum moth (caterpillar)

Description:

A large caterpillar (90mm length 15mm diameter); pale green-blue with very brightly coloured (spectrum red to purple) protuberances evenly distributed over the back and sides; with tufts of white hairs; a set of 3 pairs of legs at front; 4 pairs spread to rear; 2 yellow clasping at rear; a single cream line along each side.

Habitat:

Eucalyptus forest - dense to very open.

Notes:

This could well be the same one I saw 2 weeks ago as it was on the same tree and I couldn't find any others. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/856... In spite of the brilliant coloured tufts the caterpillars are quite difficult to see on young gum leaves. Link to eggs... http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/872... Link to moth... http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/818... The last shot was added about 3 weeks later. The green has changed and the lateral line has become more defined. I think it was just about to pupate on Feb 17.