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Sparshalli moth larva (Trichiocercus sparshalli) <figure class="photo"><a href="https://www.jungledragon.com/image/36390/long_tailed_bombyx_trichiocercus_sparshalli.html" title="Long tailed Bombyx (Trichiocercus sparshalli)"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.jungledragon.com/images/2532/36390_thumb.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=05GMT0V3GWVNE7GGM1R2&Expires=1759968010&Signature=aYm6VLS%2FC%2BqWtEst6hiX7IcBptA%3D" width="200" height="150" alt="Long tailed Bombyx (Trichiocercus sparshalli) This moth has an extraordinary history. Although endemic to south eastern Australia, it was first described from a specimen found on a tree in England in 1829 ! The species or genus hasn&#039;t been found outside Australia since. A real mystery. <br /> This one was attracted to night lights near the local national park.<br /> The caterpillars are quite impressive ...<br /> http://www.jungledragon.com/image/36659/sparshalli_moth_larva_trichiocercus_sparshalli.html<br /> http://www.jungledragon.com/image/37769/long_tailed_bombyx_larvae_trichiocercus_sparshalli.html<br /> Australia,Geotagged,Spring,Trichiocercus sparshalli" /></a></figure><br /> These caterpillars are up to about 25mm long. <br /> They can appear in several colour combinations which can be confusing. <br /> Sometimes they will follow each other processionary style. <br /> The species was originally described in England from a single moth in 1821 but has never been seen outside SE Australia since. Must have been a stowaway pupa or eggs on a returning convict ship.<br /> Also called Long tailed bombyx.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Australia,Geotagged,Summer,Trichiocercus sparshalli Click/tap to enlarge

Sparshalli moth larva (Trichiocercus sparshalli)

Long tailed Bombyx (Trichiocercus sparshalli) This moth has an extraordinary history. Although endemic to south eastern Australia, it was first described from a specimen found on a tree in England in 1829 ! The species or genus hasn't been found outside Australia since. A real mystery. <br /> This one was attracted to night lights near the local national park.<br /> The caterpillars are quite impressive ...<br /> http://www.jungledragon.com/image/36659/sparshalli_moth_larva_trichiocercus_sparshalli.html<br /> http://www.jungledragon.com/image/37769/long_tailed_bombyx_larvae_trichiocercus_sparshalli.html<br /> Australia,Geotagged,Spring,Trichiocercus sparshalli

These caterpillars are up to about 25mm long.
They can appear in several colour combinations which can be confusing.
Sometimes they will follow each other processionary style.
The species was originally described in England from a single moth in 1821 but has never been seen outside SE Australia since. Must have been a stowaway pupa or eggs on a returning convict ship.
Also called Long tailed bombyx.




    comments (1)

  1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
    Ferdy Christant
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Thank you Mark for describing your findings so well including the cross posts, it really uplifts a photo into an educational post. Posted 9 years ago

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The Long-tailed Bombyx

"Trichiocercus sparshalli", the long-tailed bombyx or Sparshall's moth, is a moth of the family Notodontidae. It was first described by John Curtis in 1830 and it is found in Australia. The wingspan is about 40 mm.

Info 10 0
Similar species: Moths And Butterflies
Species identified by Mark Ridgway
View Mark Ridgway's profile

By Mark Ridgway

All rights reserved
Uploaded Mar 10, 2016. Captured Mar 4, 2013 12:27 in 103 Mount Dandenong Rd, Ringwood East VIC 3135, Australia.
country flag of Australia Explore Australia 13,072 4,173 3
  • DSC-HX30V
  • f/4.0
  • 1/80s
  • ISO125
  • 11.83mm
Captured in the summer. More summer photos.