Caterpillar ID Help

[Deleted member 1018]

I've searched the database and couldn't see a match, though I may have missed something. All the likely matches I found online were either European or way smaller than this one. I saw this one this morning near my house. Seems late to be seeing caterpillars but i'm not very knowledgable about butterflies.

 

[Hairyman]

A good site for Aussie moths and butterflies, http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/faqs/ident.html

 

[Hairyman]

Pterolocera leucocera ?

 

[Deleted member 1018]

Pterolocera leucocera ?

Maybe, but looks larger. Not sure if the markings vary slightly within one type, it would explain why I can't find an exact match.

 

[Dusty Miller]

These Anthelidae caterpillars are quite large.....

Chelepteryx collesi

http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/anth/collesi.html

note the dark form in the third picture, a closer match to your example than the top photos.

 

[Deleted member 1018]

I think that's it Dusty. Thanks for that, I was going a little bonkers, trying to find it. It's a big caterpillar and a big moth too. Looks like it is a bit late but this warm weather might have something to do with it. Now I know that they are in the area, I'll have a look out for the moths.

 

[Deleted member 1018]

Common name White Stemmed Gum Moth.Here's a couple of shots of the caterpillar in macro and an adult moth. Those red hairs are sharp and barbed so beware.


And a little more about it here
http://australianmuseum.net.au/White-stemmed-Gum-Moth

 

[Hairyman]

From last night.

 

[Deleted member 1018]

Wow, what a great looking moth, interesting to see that it's head is actually fairly small compared to the rest of its body. it would make a good feed for something or someone.

 

[MerleAm]

That's a big one! Nice find.