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Project Noah Nature School
Limacodidae, Lepidoptera
Cup Moth larvae are often highly ornamented and brightly colored. Two main types can be distinguished: larvae armed with rows of protuberances bearing stinging spines called nettle caterpillars, or non-spined forms where the surface of the larvae may by completely smooth, called gelatine caterpillars. The larvae of this family bear no prolegs on their abdominal segments. The larva attaches itself to the substrate by means of an adhesive ventral surface. The movement is like a slug hence their generic name. A stinging nettle slug caterpillar (like this one) generally bears warning colouration and stinging hairs. These hairs can inject a venom from poison sacs carried at their base that are used as defensive weapons. Reactions can range from a mild itching to a very painful sting.
Spotted on Sep 29, 2012
Submitted on Mar 4, 2013
14 Comments
Wow! Stunning!!
Amazing - does this one have an LED inside it ??
@Mishall
And to everyone.....
DO NOT underestimate the capacity of these caterpillars to inflict intense pain. I have only slightly brushed against some species and received a most painful and prolonged injury. On one occasion, I unknowingly stood up amongst low-hanging tree branches and brushed the back of my neck against the underside of a leaf bearing an entire hatching of Limacodids. The intense burning lasted for more than 24 hours. I have also been stung while photographing individuals while trying to set up shots and inadvertently coming into contact with them. Beauty = Danger.
Fabulous!!!!!!!
Incredible spotting!
i once rubbed my hand on a stingig nettel as i didnt belive my sister that it would sting . ha ha went through pain for about 4 hrs.
WOW!
Fantastic!
cool!
What a bulls eye!!! Fantastic! Lovely caterpillar. Send one here. LOL
Awesome spotting sinobug. Beautiful
@Chief RedEarth
Call it a helipad, a target, a bullseye......but I think the caterpillar intended it to be a fake eye, large enough to belong to a snake or a bird or at least belonging to a creature larger than the caterpillar is, as a deterrent against potential predators.
Awesome Caterpillar !!
Amazing pattern!