Not really sure what is going on here. Are the eggs from a wasp or other parasitic insect which is using the caterpillar as food for their growing young?? Who built the cocoon? Second pic is showing a caterpillar without the eggs which was 20-30cm from the other.
Having done a bit of research I now realise that I have photographed a female moth which is flightless. This was probably her cocoon, and she now lays her eggs on it. It seems like a huge number of eggs that would total more than her current body size!
Totally agree. Insect behaviour and life cycles are totally fascinating. I just love watching the butterflies and native bees chase the Eu bees from the flowers. So counterintuitive.
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