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Mottled cupmoth larva

Doratifera vulnerans

Photo by MartinL
Published on Project Noah
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-38.3338, 144.963

Field Notes

Description:

A small but very ornate brown caterpillar with eight tufts of spines and a yellow saddle.

Habitat:

Solitary on a sapling swamp gum leaf.

Notes:

This is the second instar larvae of a cup moth.
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8662735
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7962916

Reference Links:

Mottled Cup Moth - Doratifera vulnerans

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (7)
Sergio Monteiro
Very nice, MArtin. Please don't go away, there is something I want to show you.
MartinL
thanks Karen and Mayra and Karenl and C.Sydes for your comments
MartinL
Yes, they're very similar to the saddleback but this one is a baby. Here is a later instar with weapons fully extended. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/9151318 They do itch but I'd say only moderate pain.
MrsPbio
This looks a lot like our Saddlebag caterpillars. They have stinging hairs that can pack a very painful wollop! Does this one? It looks very ouchie.

Spotted for Missions

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Butterflies & Moths of the World

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Photographed
PublishedFebruary 4, 2012

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