METAMORPHOSIS: This caterpillar is about to become a moth.
The photo shows a caterpillar I noticed on a prickly hakea in the Cardigan area. I have been watching the caterpillar develop for a few days, and it is now about 50mm long. J.K., Cardigan
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This is a caterpillar of a hakea moth, also called a grevillea moth which feeds mostly on hakeas and grevilleas.
One of its main features is its fleshy body, along with a small spine towards the end of its back. It has a reputation for resting motionless throughout the day and feeds at night.
It will turn into a triangular brown moth with a wingspan of around 50mm, after pupating in leaf litter on the ground below your hakea bush.
The moths have been seen recently, so your caterpillar will be close to pupation.
- 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
