Insects
Moths (Lepidoptera)
Tiger moths (Arctiinae)
Sighting 4377172

Anestia (genus)

A tiger moth at Flynn, ACT

Anestia (genus) at Flynn, ACT - 26 Mar 2021 01:58 PM
Anestia (genus) at Flynn, ACT - 26 Mar 2021 01:58 PM
Anestia (genus) at Flynn, ACT - 26 Mar 2021 01:58 PM
Anestia (genus) at Flynn, ACT - 26 Mar 2021 01:58 PM
Anestia (genus) at Flynn, ACT - 26 Mar 2021 01:58 PM
Anestia (genus) at Flynn, ACT - 26 Mar 2021 01:58 PM
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Identification history

Anestia (genus) 27 Mar 2021 ibaird
Anestia (genus) 27 Mar 2021 Christine
Unverified 27 Mar 2021 Christine

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User's notes

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.

3 comments

Christine wrote:
   27 Mar 2021
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!
Christine wrote:
   27 Mar 2021
Interesting also to have an egg laying and cocoon building side by side at the same time.
arjay wrote:
   27 Mar 2021
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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Location information

Sighting information

Additional information

  • 5mm to 12mm Animal size

Species information

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