I came across this caterpillar in the Enfield forest. It caught my eye, it's translucent and the light on it seems to make it glow. It's around 25mm long.
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R.A., Napoleons.
Your stunning fleshy caterpillar is that of a wedge moth. It feeds on gumleaves, rather than on the pea shrub (narrow leaf bitter pea) on which you found it.
Caterpillars are green in their younger stages, turning eventually to yellow and then orange only as they reach full size just before pupation.
The adult is a rather inconspicuous grey moth with fine dark streaks. Its hindwings are dusky white, giving the name of white-winged wedge moth. When at rest, the moth holds its wings folded back over its body, rather than spread open. Thanks to local naturalist Indra Bone for providing identification.
- Questions and photos are welcome. Send to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au
