This is one of the coral fungi (Ramaria). There are several similar species locally, most of them in the cream to orange colour range.

They are forest-dwellers, mostly found among damp leaf and twig litter in May and June.

To B.H.K., Brown Hill.

Your caterpillars are spitfires, the larvae of a wasp-like insect known as a sawfly. They exude a mustard-coloured odorous liquid from their mouths when disturbed. They feed on gumleaves.

Your cocoon is the pupal case of a wood moth, moths that generally emerge from the ground during autumn rains. The caterpillars feed in roots, trunks and branches of trees, especially wattles.

Send questions and photos to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au