- Ochrogaster lunifer
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Bag-shelter Moth 
Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Lepidoptera Family: Thaumetopoeidae Genus: Ochrogaster Species: O. lunifer Binomial name Ochrogaster lunifer
Herrich-Schaffer, 1855The Bag-shelter moth (Ochrogaster lunifer), also known as the Processionary Caterpillar, is a member of the family Thaumetopoeidae. Both the larvae and adult have hairs that cause irritation of the skin. The adults have brown wings that grow to be about 5.5cm wide. The larvae feed on Grevillea striata at night and reside in brown silken bags during the day.[1]
Behaviour
Ochrogaster lunifer is known as Processionary Caterpillar as they are often seen travelling in lines, one behind the next. However when disturbed they will curl up into a ball for protection.[2]
Gallery
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Mounted adult, dorsal view
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Mounted adult, ventral view
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Ochrogaster lunifer curling up into a ball for protection
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Larva
References
- ^ "Ochrogaster lunifer (Bag shelter moth) - JCU". http://cms.jcu.edu.au/discovernature/butterfliescommon/JCUDEV_012641. Retrieved 2009-09-03.
- ^ Herbison-Evans, Don (8 March 2010). "Ochrogaster lunifer (Herrich-Schaffer, [1855)"]. lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au. http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/noto/lunifer.html. Retrieved 2010-04-10.
Categories:- Noctuoidea stubs
- Lepidoptera of Australia
- Thaumetopoeidae
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