Buggin with Bridgey – October 2024
Buggin with Bridgey is a Monthly report of sightings from the Let’s Go Buggin Cairns Nature & Photography Tour in the Cairns Botanic Gardens. As the months roll by, subtle changes in the seasons bring sightings of new creatures and this report aims to give people a wrap up of the current animals seen as well as provide an ongoing citizen science account of our wonderful critters that can be seen in the Wet Tropics of Queensland.
Caterpillars in the Cairns Botanic Gardens
and the Wet Tropics of Queensland.
Part 2
Nestled in the lush landscapes of Far North Queensland, the Cairns Botanic Gardens are a treasure trove of biodiversity. While many visitors are drawn to the striking flora and serene walking paths, a hidden spectacle awaits those who look a little closer—caterpillars! These remarkable creatures play a vital role in the ecosystem, transforming from humble larvae into stunning butterflies and moths. In this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating life cycle of caterpillars, highlight the diverse species found within the gardens, and share tips on how to spot these often-overlooked gems. As this is such a huge subject this Blog is broken up into chapters. Read Chapter 1 here, and welcome to Chapter 2! Join me on a journey to discover the vibrant world of caterpillars that thrives amidst the tropical beauty of the Cairns Botanic Gardens!
Common Fruit-piercing Moth (Eudocima phalonia)
The Common Fruit-piercing Moth (Eudocima phalonia) begins its life as a striking caterpillar. Often referred to as the ‘galaxy caterpillar’ with a variable base colour ranging from red to black, with bright yellow and blue spots and bold white splotches running along its sides. Its head features two distinctive, yellow-ringed eye spots, giving it a fierce, almost predatory look. Despite its bright appearance, it can blend in quite well to its habitat of rainforest vines. It’s a fairly widely spread species which I have observed in the Cairns Botanic Gardens but also in the rainforests of Sumatra and India.
Above and Top: Common Fruit-piercing Moth (Eudocima phalonia) showing colour variation.
Hawk Moths aka Sphinx Moth Caterpillars
Hawk Moths, also known as Sphinx Moths, boast some of the most intriguing caterpillars in the insect world. Found in various habitats, including the lush Cairns Botanic Gardens, these caterpillars are often recognized by their striking appearance and impressive size. With smooth bodies adorned in vibrant greens, browns, or even purples, they can easily blend into their surroundings, making them masters of camouflage. Hawk Moth Caterpillars can be identified by the tail-like protrusion at the end of their bodies. These caterpillars are voracious eaters, primarily feeding on the leaves of various plants, which fuels their rapid growth. One of the most fascinating aspects of these caterpillars is their ability to transform into stunning adults that resemble hummingbirds in flight. As they inch closer to pupation, they often exhibit unique behaviours, such as curling into a “C” shape—a mesmerizing precursor to their incredible metamorphosis.
Privet Hawkmoth (Psilogramma menephro), Possibly White-brow Hawkmoth (Gnathothlibus eras), Daphnis Genus, Daphnis moorei
Yellow Matrix Caterpillar (Antithemerastis acrobela)
One of my favourite caterpillars to point out to Let’s Go Buggin participants. These unusual looking caterpillars love to hug the spine of their preferred leaves and will often sit in a semi-circle like this one pictured. Their lovely yellow base colour with maroon and white lined markings make this caterpillar a joy to see and photograph. Like a lot of vibrant caterpillars, this one turns into a brown moth in its adult form.
Yellow Matrix Caterpillar (Antithemerastis acrobela)
Emperor Moth Caterpillars (Saturnidae)
The caterpillars of this moth Genus are particularly intriguing, often sporting vibrant green bodies adorned with distinctive horn-like projections on their heads, which not only enhance their appearance but also serve as a defense mechanism against predators. Feeding primarily on the leaves of various plants, these larvae play an important role in their ecosystem, contributing to nutrient cycling and plant health.
Emperor Moth Larve (Syntherata escarlata)
Bizaare Looper Moth Caterpillar (Genus Eucyclodes)
This Genus of Moths is particularly interesting. Their long bodies include some protruding panels or flanks, in which they are able to attach materials to it to create a disguise. Therefore each individual will look different depending on what they have attached to themselves. Once emerging as adults they are within the Green Moths Group (Geometrinae) and are one of my favourite moths to see and photograph. I’ve seen examples of the larvae without anything attached to their bodies, however this one still is my favorite observation. I believe that this one has stuck its own waste, called ‘Frass’ to itself.
Bizaare Looper Moth Caterpillar (Genus Eucyclodes)
Ulysses Swallowtail (Papilio ulysses)
Tropical North Queensland’s hero butterfly is the Ulysses. Fast flying flashes of iridescent blue is a common sight in the Cairns Botanic Gardens as well often flying above roads, mistaking them for creeks. You will usually only see this Butterfly for 10 seconds or so before it disappears. The larvae of this butterfly is also very beautiful with hints of the blue colouration on its green body. The caterpillar is rarely seen due to its amazing camouflage and ellusive behaviour.
Ulysses Swallowtail (Papilio ulysses)
I hope you enjoyed seeing some more of the examples of the Caterpillars in the Cairns Botanical Gardens and the Wet Tropics of Queensland. Be sure to watch out for part 3 soon. If you would like to take a deeper dive into some other encounters you can check out my Let’s Go Buggin Project on iNaturalist here.
Keen for a Let’s Go Buggin Tour? Use ‘BRIDGEYBLOG’ as the coupon code for 15% discount on your tour booking here.
Next Blog in late October.
🐛 📸 💚
Bridgette
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