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Project Noah Nature School
LASIOCAMPIDAE
LASIOCAMPIDAE of Australia Eggar, Lappet and Snout Moths.BOMBYCOIDEA LASIOCAMPIDAEmoth picturesThe Caterpillars of LASIOCAMPIDAE are medium to large in size. Some are smooth, and some are hairy. Most have a pair of dorsalglands on abdominal segments six and seven. Many have flaps of skin overhanging their prolegs, hence the name "Lappet Moths" (a 'lappet' is a decorative flap of material on clothing). Many adults have elongated labial palpi, which makes them look like they have long noses, hence their name "Snout Moths".
Gum Trees, Eucalyptus, Myrtaceae
A female in captivity, like ours pictured, lays her eggs 24 hrs after releasing her cocoon. Eggs laid in captivity are usually unfertilised, much like chickens in captivity. I disvovered this after the fact. Despite all of our efforts the eggs did not survive nor the moth unfortunately.
The larvae fell out of its Gum Tree into the kids sandpit, we took the opportunity to show the larvae to the Kindergarten, with the intention of releasing it asap. The larvae however made its cocoon before we could do this, with the debris we had provided. It was amazing to experience with the kids, but very sad to have no survivors from the process after the moth had laid her many eggs.
Spotted on Apr 20, 2013
Submitted on Sep 29, 2013
