Mottled cupmoth (Doratifera vulnerans)

This bizarre 'slug' caterpillar bears eight weapons which are bundles of spines normally folded away but everted when the insect is startled. They produce mild irritation to humans when touched.

comments (6)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

The stranger, the better! Thanks for sharing, Martin. Posted 9 years ago

Oddfeel

Lion

really nice and impressive Posted 9 years ago

Oddfeel

Lion

really nice and impressive Posted 9 years ago

karthik_ak

Lion

Looks like some underwater slug!!
Great find! Posted 9 years ago

Martin Lagerwey

Lion

Thanks for your comments.
They are sometimes compared with nudibranchs. Posted 9 years ago

Annette Flottwell

Lion

Wow thank you soo much for identifying mine. This is a beauty, the cutest little stinger i have ever seen Posted 9 years ago

The Mottled Cup Moth

Cup moths are Australian insects that feed on eucalyptus foliage. Cup moths usually produce two generations of offspring per year. The adult moths are brownish in color and emerge from their rounded or cup-shaped cocoons in late winter or summer. They soon set to work mating and laying eggs, and the caterpillars hatch in spring and fall.

Info 9 0

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies

Species identified by Martin Lagerwey