Caterpillar was found feeding on leaves of Lillypilly Syzygium sp. in a suburban garden, same area as similar caterpillar found last year.
Just want to add a warning: If your hand accidentally contacts the stinging 'hairs' of these caterpillars, It's VERY painful. For my unlucky friend, it took more than a week to stop hurting!
I accidentally grabbed it while pruning and recieved a painful sting
This caterpillar got attention due to painful sting on my friend's hand while tidying their garden. Was feeding on leaves of Lillypilly Syzygium sp., another of this species feeding on Daintree Penda Xanthostemon verticillatus. Caterpillar kept on leaves in a jar, formed a round dark-coloured pupa. Can anyone help with accurate ID please?
After 7 weeks a moth emerged from the cocoon of this caterpillar:
https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/observations/147161109
Front wing length 17.5mm
Last image shows the cocoon after the moth had emerged through a narrow slit. Does anyone know, how does a moth make that kind of opening?
Sighting and photos (c) penelope.
Field Notes - An amazing cup moth caterpillar found on an ‘Acacia’ branch near the Aroona homestead, Mount Mort, Qld.
I accidentally grabbed it while pruning and recieved a painful sting