Emperor gum moth (larva)

Description:

Several small black spiky caterpillars with orange bands just behind their heads. Approx 12mm long. Look a bit like Saturniidae types and maybe just hatched. About 10 or so total.

Habitat:

Eucalyptus microcarpa leaves on highway division.

Notes:

Pic #2 shows eggs which were on the same branch although none of these seemed hatched. The first instar of Emperor gum moth. A later instar http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/856... Close-up of eggs http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/872... Final larva instar http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/870...