Anisozyga insperata by stuart83

Photography • Insects • posted on Feb 19, 2008

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Description

This is an unusual caterpillar I found in the backyard, the research I've done says the moth has no common name. I have a few picture of it's stages so far and will upload in the next few days The typical Caterpillar features are obscured in this animal by spiky extensions to its body: it looks as though it is clothed in armour. The whole body surface is covered with small hard round bumps. Large spikes extend sideways on abdominal segments 1 to 5, the first of these extending into a horizontal flange around the head and thorax. Its colour pattern is various shades of brown, with some cream lines and patches, and some light green patches at the bases of the larger spikes. The Caterpillars take only about 20 days to reach pupation. They grow to a length of about 2 cms. The pupal duration is about 26 days in summer The female and male moths differ. The female is green with wavy white and yellow borders to the wings. She has a wing span of about 3 cms. The male is also basically green, with a lacy white pattern. The male is slightly smaller than the female, having a wingspan of about 2.5 cms. The adults may be distinguished from those of some other species in this genus as the hind wings have a plain curved edge, with no scalloping. Eggs hatch after about 20 days in summer. thanks for looking, Stuart