[ 05/02/2009 ]
5th, February 2009
The Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources (DRDPIFR) is asking people to not disturb cup moth larvae after reports of high concentrations of the insect in the Darwin rural area.
Cup Moths (family Limacodidae) are named for their hard cup-shaped cocoons.
The larvae are present during the wet season and feed on eucalyptus trees, and occasionally on melaleucas and acacias.
The larvae are around 10 to 25 mm long, and vary in colour from pale to lime green, with paired black and white spots along the length of their back.
They also have turrets of spines on their back that protrude when the larva is disturbed, these spines can cause severe skin reactions such as itching, welts and pain which can last for several days.
We have had reports of stringybarks and woollybutts being defoliated and of some people being stung by these larvae.
DRDPIFR are asking people to avoid them if they can and check trees before pruning or moving broken branches.