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Heliothis armigera (also Helicoverpa armigera)
Caterpillar found inside the calyx of Wild Gooseberry (Physalis angulata). How it got in there is anyone's guess, but there were no obvious signs of burrowing through the calyx skin. I would estimate the caterpillar's length to be about 4 -4.5 cms. This is an invasive species, the larvae of which feed on a wide range of plants, including many important cultivated crops.
This spotting was by the Metroplex wetlands in Murarrie, Brisbane QLD.
Another species considered was Helicoverpa zea, also commonly known as the Corn Earworm, and also found in Australia. I've done extensive image searches on both species, and I cannot tell the difference between the two. Thanks to Mark Ridgway for the spotting ID. I'm going with it.
In the suggestion reference see pic #15 (half grown cattie).
Heliothis is synonymous with Helicoverpa ? http://bie.ala.org.au/species/Helicoverp...
Spotted on Feb 28, 2014
Submitted on Feb 28, 2014
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