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Pine Emperor Moth

Nudaurelia cytherea (Saturniidae)

Description:

Caterpillar/larva: Gregarious. Reaches large sizes (10 cm - 12 cm). Covered in colourful spots, also called Christmas caterpillars because the colourful spots makes it look like a Christmas decoration.

Habitat:

Pine Plantations, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Notes:

Adult: One of the largest in SA, but considerable variation in size.12.5 - 15 cm wingspan. Colouration differs between sexes. Pupa: Enters the soil to pupate. Dark red at first and then becomes black. Larva can be eaten.

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2 Comments

Neil Ross
Neil Ross 3 years ago

Wow, what a beauty that is! Thanks for sharing with us, Caitlin. Welcome to PN, and greetings from Australia.

MichaelS
MichaelS 3 years ago

Hi Caitlin Gevers, welcome to Project Noah! Beautiful caterpillar!

Caitlin Gevers
Spotted by
Caitlin Gevers

uMshwathi Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Spotted on Nov 7, 2016
Submitted on May 7, 2020

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