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Project Noah Nature School
Doratifera vulnerans
Very slow moving larvae of a moth. Distinctive tubercles with tufts of potentially stinging spines that are erect most of the time on outdoor specimens. I am currently attempting to raise a specimen and its spines are usually relaxed against the body, as seen in the last 2 images. Brightly coloured in middle with barely visible reduced legs, hidden by a skirt. Shrouded face with tiny eyes. About 2cm long.
Found several on a Eucalyptus ficifolia. Feeding on new season leaves as well as some tender young leaves. Not a fussy eater, but a very slow one.
This is the southern, grey form of the species with orange defensive spines. The northern colour form found in NSW and QLD is pink red with red spines. The last photo in series is of different specimen, included to show spiney tubercles in relaxed position.
Spotted on Mar 16, 2015
Submitted on Mar 18, 2015
1 Comment
A beautiful caterpillar....