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Four spotted cupmoth (mature larva)

Doratifera quadriguttata

Photo by MartinL
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

Caterpillar with delicate and colorful pattern along its back. Spines cause itching and colors are for warning.

Habitat:

Found about 12 specimens on young plantation yellow box (gum) native habitat parkland.

Notes:

Accidentally brushing my hand against one while photographing another, I suffered mild irritation for about 20 minutes but no physical indications.
Added another pic next day to illustrate its defensive spines.
See another one here
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/6835098

Reference Links:

Doratifera quadriguttata, Four-Spotted Cup Moth - Doratifera quadriguttata

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (14)
MartinL
I've found its empty pupal case :) http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/19201340
Jacob Gorneau
What terrific colors! Thanks for sharing this fantastic spotting! I LOVE the last shot!!
MartinL
And this only has four while this one http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8885098 has eight. Still it was able to sting me again somehow, without me even touching it.
MartinL
I've added another photo after spraying with water to stimulate it to evert (one of) its bristles.
KarenL
Another psychedelic caterpillar!
MartinL
Thanks asergio. Notice its four bristles are mostly retracted at the anterior (right) end of the caterpillar. I will have to annoy one and photograph it in its defensive pose =)
Sergio Monteiro
Wow, it is beautiful, and the pictures are perfect. Congratulations, Martin.
MartinL
AKA Painted cupmoth larva. Here is the adult with four spots http://freeimagefinder.com/detail/6590493563.html

Spotted for Missions

Mission
WILD Cities: Urban Biodiversity
Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World

Tags

Photographed
PublishedFebruary 7, 2012

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