Yet another unkown creature (1 Viewer)

D

DavidL

Member

• Mar 10, 2004

• #1

Hi,
I took a series of photos of a caterpillar in July last year. I have not been able to identify it, can anyone help.

http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20173

The image is in the Butterflies and Moth Gallery, hope it's okay to put it there.
Regards,
David

 

rogerk

That's a, I say that's a chicken, boy!

• Mar 11, 2004

• #2

DavidL said:

Hi,
I took a series of photos of a caterpillar in July last year. I have not been able to identify it, can anyone help.

http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20173

The image is in the Butterflies and Moth Gallery, hope it's okay to put it there.
Regards,
David

Click to expand...

Looks like a vapourer to me.

 

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J

jayhunter

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2004

• #3

I think the vertical hair tufts are too pale for it to be the caterpillar of the Vapourer, I am at work at the moment so I would have to guess at Oag Eagger.

 

CJW

Hit-and-run WUM

• Mar 11, 2004

• #4

My guess would be Dark Tussock, but will have to confirm this evening when I get home from work.

 

V

very boring banned member

New member

• Mar 11, 2004

• #5

Looks very much like Orgyia antiqua aka vapourer.

 

CJW

Hit-and-run WUM

• Mar 11, 2004

• #6

Karwin said:

Looks very much like Orgyia antiqua aka vapourer.

Click to expand...

Yes, it does.

 

Ranger James

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2004

• #7

CJW said:

Yes, it does.

Click to expand...

Yep, vapourer - red tufts on blue grey background indicate that. Four dorsal tufts unusually grey though perhaps because of background colour?
Great shot. Found out this morning that it is these guys that give the moth its name, from thier habit of climbing upwards as soon as they hatch, and releasing silk to balloon into the air - thus evaporating from the plant.
James

 

D

DavidL

Member

• Mar 12, 2004

• #8

Thanks for all the replies.

I was suprised to find that it is supposed to be dangerous, (according to the web news report I found). :eek!: My kids had found it in their sand pit, we lifted out on the leave so as not to damage it. We left it in an apple tree and our garden.
Thanks,
David

 

harry eales

Ancient Entomologist

• Mar 12, 2004

• #9

Hello DavidL,
I agree with the Vapourer ident, The yellow tufts often fade late in each larval instar.

The only danger that some people suffer when handling these and other hairy larvae, is from the hairs. These can, in people with a sensative skin cause a rash, and a feeling similar to that you get when handling Stinging Nettle. The Rule if you have sensative skin is to wear surgical gloves when handling them. Then wash your hands with the gloves still in place, that way you will dispose of the hairs down the sink, before removing the gloves.

Harry Eales.