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Tussock Moth

LYMANTRIIDAE

Photo by KMills
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

The LYMANTRIIDAE Caterpillars are usually hairy, often with four distinct tussocks of hair on their back make them look like a toothbrush. The hair can cause irritation if contact. They usually found feeding on leaves during the day. The caterpillars pupate in a woven cocoon under bark or foliage. The pupa usually covered with larval hairs as well. These hairs can cause problems if touched, or if they are released to blow about.
http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_noct/LYMANTRIIDAE.htm

Notes:

it didn't have wings, it had these thick antennae and spiky hair, with this tuft sticking up at the back and these balls things on its back...very weird looking creature!! I took these pics with my phone, went back to the spot with my camera but couldn't find it again. thanks Martin for helping me ID it!

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)

This is a tussock moth, with four sets of bristles along the back. Usually adult females have no wings and lay a raft of eggs on their loose, spiky cocoon. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7993881
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 26, 2012

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