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The Emperor Gum Moth (Opodiphthera eucalypti) is a species native to Australia, and can be easily found in all the states except for Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.
Eggs
The eggs are laid on a leaf either singly or several in a row. They are pale cream in color and are approx 2mm in length. The eggs are usually laid on native eucalyptus trees but are sometimes found on introduced species such as the peppercorn, silver birch, liquid amber and apricot trees. They hatch between 7-10 days after getting laid.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can usually be found on young adult leaves between October and March (the Australian Spring and Summer). When the caterpillars hatch they are black with short hairs on top of little nodes on their bodies called tubercles. The hairs are not poisonous and will not sting. As the caterpillars mature they change color each time the shed their skin (which totals to 5 stages in the caterpillars appearance). By the final stage before pupation the caterpillars have developed striking coloration, having a yellow/cream stripe down their bright green/blue body and nodes of red and blue. Despite this they are still surprisingly hard to spot. The caterpillar stage in the Emperor Gum Moths life cycle can last for many weeks, depending on the temperature and weather conditions.
Cocoon
When the caterpillar is fully mature it spins a dark brown silken cocoon on a branch which usually has a leaf to protect it with. The moth usually emerges from the cocoon the following year (in Spring or early Summer) but depending on weather conditions can stay in the cocoon from anywhere between 88 and 125 years. One case has even been recorded of a moth emerging out of the cocoon after 150 years!
When the metamorphosis is complete, the adult moth regurgitates a fluid to soften the tough cocoon and then cuts a hole using sharp hooks on the base of each forewing. After this is done, the moth emerges and rests while its wings dry and expand.
Baby Moths
The Emperor Gum Moth does not feed after it emerges from the cocoon, relying solely on the energy they stored as caterpillars. Their adult life span is limited to a couple weeks in which they mate, lay eggs and die. The moths, like the caterpillars, are very striking in appearance. The Emperor Gum Moth is a very large moth, having a wingspan of 120mm-150mm. Females are generally smaller than males. The furless wings and body are super multi colored, but are in overall tones of pale reddish/brown. The wings are decorated with four prominent ‘eyes’ and various other markings in a symmetrical formation. The antennae of the males are feathery, while the females' are thinner and with fewer hairs.
References
- Wildlife of Sydney - Fact File - Emperor Gum Moth
- Forest Health Fact Sheets 9 Emperor Gum Moth
- Emperor Gum Moth
Additional photos
"Opodiphthera eucalypti"