As interesting and eye catching as moths can be, their larvae are equally so. Quite a number have been photographed over the years, random discoveries, and this post is the first that will give them their time in the spotlight.  First cab off the rank is also the first ever digitally photographed, and it remains anonymous to this day. Its impressive size can be gauged by the paving tile, the end of which measures 95 mm. Click pictures to enlarge.

Tussock moths.

The male Painted Apple Moth Teia anartoides, (Lymantriidae) is quite striking, as are its larvae whose “tussock” tufts can be quite variable in colour.

In the same family is the White Tussock Moth, Acyphas chionitis.  During one season a population of larvae fed on the flowers of a garden Snowy River Wattle, Acacia boormanii.

To be continued.