This Rainbow Caterpillar Will Blow Your Mind!

This Rainbow Caterpillar Will Blow Your Mind!
August 24, 2016 Cure All Pest Control

When it comes to the Saturniidae Caterpillar, Mother Nature really went to town. With spectacular bristles, stubby hot pink legs, and awesome rocker hair, the Saturniidae is definitely one of the coolest party animals we’ve ever seen! ..

In this article, we take a look at what makes this incredible rainbow bug so unique and how they evolve from a single egg to a fully-grown adult moth.

Where do Saturniidae Caterpillars live?

The majority of the Saturniidae species come from the tropical regions of North America. Though, they can also be found in some parts of Europe and Australia. They have the greatest diversity in the New World tropics and Mexico and are generally much larger and more colourful in warmer climates.

Are Saturniidae caterpillars dangerous?

Some species of the Saturniidae have barbed horns and stinging hairs that are deadly to humans, while others just have harmless defence mechanisms like clicking sounds and cryptic camouflage. Regardless, it’s best not to touch large, hairy caterpillars.

What do they eat?

Most Saturniids feed on the foliage of trees, shrubs, and grasses. They are very hungry caterpillars and will cause serious damage to any plants they enjoy. Some of the smaller Saturniidae species feed in colonies and do more damage than the larger species. For these caterpillars, an insecticide may be needed to prevent further damage and protect your plants.

 

The Lifecycle of the Saturniidae

The eggs: Depending on the moth, a single Saturniidae female can lay up to 200 eggs at one time. Most moths produce one or two broods per year. They lay their eggs on a chosen ‘host’ plant, and some species will produce different offspring depending on what season the eggs were laid. For example, spring and summer broods may look different, with the genes being altered by the varied environmental conditions.

Larvae: Saturniidae caterpillars are some of the largest in the world. Before entering the pupal stage, they will shed their hairs around four to six times and go through a wandering stage in which they change colour and become more camouflaged.

 

Pupae: Most Saturniidae caterpillars spin silk cocoons in protected leafy areas and sheltered plants, although some species are known to burrow and pupate in a small pocket underground.

Metamorphosis: After emerging from their cocoons, the Saturniidae moth does not eat. They lose function in their digestive tracts and survive solely on the stored fats acquired during the larvae stage. As a result, the adult Saturniidae moth does not live for very long (a week or less) and devotes all of its time to reproduction.

 

Do you have an insect problem at your house? Maybe an ant infestation? Too many cockroaches, fleas or spiders for your liking? Cure All Pest Control are experts at getting pests under control. Give us a call today on (07) 3349 8572, or send us an online enquiry to find out how we can help you!