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Spitfire Caterpillar

Doratifera vulnerans

Photo by DarrenC
Published on Project Noah
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-37.9027, 145.33

Field Notes

Description:

This is the caterpillar of the Mottled Cup Moth, found in Australia, and raises those little spikes to defend itself and yes they sting.

Reference Links:

Doratifera vulnerans Lewin 1805

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (65)
RobThacker
Indeed Darren, it should be under the waves, thank you for this.
DarrenC
They are the strangest looking things Rob
RobThacker
Simply in awe! As MC Hammer would say ''U Can't Touch This''
DarrenC
Thanks ColtMoony and Mark
ColtMooney
Looks kinda like a saddle back caterpillar I had a bad encounter with
DinDjarin
BESTIAAAAA!!!! CHUZOOOOO!!!! BEAST!!! WOW!!!!
Ryan21
never seen anything like that!!
Little Rex
Woah... This is one wild caterpillar. It almost looks like a nudibranch, imo. I would love to see one in real life.
ChunXingWong
I really believe the part that you said it stings because I have been stung before by a DEAD one. At least now I learnt that some animals will still be dangerous even though they are dead.
DarrenC
I think it might be Martin
MartinL
Darren, this is the end result of your caerpillar. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7962916
Mark Ridgway
Thanks DarrenC... you're just up the road so I'm keeping my peepers open a bit more now. Good one.
Raavendra Kumaar Ravi
"मन करता है कि इसकी सुंदरता को जी भरकर निहारूँ!" -- "I want to see it's beauty for a long period!"
DarrenC
thanks for all the fave's
DarrenC
Thanks Amber Burns, it was sat on my wifes car, she always parks it under a big gum tree at our place, so i presume it fell out of there.. I used to see a lot of them around years ago, when i was a kid, but havent seen one in about 15 years or so
Amber Burns
One word SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where ever did you find it!!!!!!!!!!
DarrenC
thanks hookgv, hehehe I guess it does look like leggo :-)
hookgv
Unbelieveable....looks like a piece of leggo !
DarrenC
thanks LoriPinelCoulombe, I have only been on here about a week myself, it seems like a great site, looking forward to seeing some of your photos.. Thank you very much LisaGrant and bluevizion
LisaGrant
Looks extra terrestrial! Very cool photo.
LoriPinelCoulombe
Very but Australia is renowned for strange things, well when you look through the windows from Canada! We have some weird things here too, but never as much as Australia! Keep up the awesome work, I just found this site and I am afraid I will be here awhile! Hoping to put some of our finds up too!! Have a great day and will look forward to seeing more of your finds!
DarrenC
thanks LoriPinelCoulombe, it is walking, so you are looking at its back.. strange arn't they :-)
LoriPinelCoulombe
Looking at this picture, was that the underside of it, or is it walking? That is on your wifes car? All I can say is wow, awesome pic and your wife's car makes an awesome backdrop for nature's pictures hahaha! Thank you for sharing your pictures, you are truly very talented!
Nadi88
wow, amazing! Thanks for this great picture!!
LeenaTaha
absolutely absolutely brilliant :))
DarrenC
they sure are strange looking, pleased you liked it
pricklylogic
Wow! Nature never fails to surprise. Looks like a strange, colorful, weird work of art.
DarrenC
thank you very much for the "Spotting of the day" :-)

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Mission
WILD Cities: Urban Biodiversity

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Photographed
PublishedMay 11, 2011

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