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Lymantrid Moth Cocoon
Family: Lymantridae
-37.895, 145.305
Field Notes
Description:
A small cocoon with long, dark, moth caterpillar hairs, pupal remains in side and a few tiny pearly egg cases (pic #2) stuck on the hairs. Also seen caught in the hairs were the remains of an insect.
The whole structure was about 15mm long and stuck onto a branch of a native Melaleuca (Myrtle)
Habitat:
Spotted on a grassy strip over by a creek
Notes:
This is probably a Lymantrid moth caterpillar which forms the cocoon. The hairs are from the caterpillar which is used as an outer shell of the cocoon within which the moth pupates. The emerging moth on occasion is said to lay eggs on the cocoon structure made secure by the long hairs - interesting ! but I do need to research further to confirm this.
My previous spotting of a similar cocoon gives a clearer picture. there was an insect stuck to this cocoon as well.
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8673983
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