Notodontidae is a family of moths most concentrated in tropical areas, heavy-bodied and long-winged, the wings held folded across the back of the body at rest.
Black Spot Moth
The adult female Black Spot Moth Epicoma melanospila has silvery white forewings edged in orange and black, each with a large black spot marking the middle. The hind wings are brown with a yellow border. The abdomen ends in a beige hairy tuft. The male is similar, but also has a dark-brown diagonal stripe across each forewing. Both have a yellow tuft of hairs on their tails.
Photo: Robert Whyte
Wattle Moth Caterpillar
Wattle Moth Neola semiaurata Caterpillar is pinkish-brown covered with sparse short hairs. When disturbed it raises its fleshy spiked tail and reveals false eyes. It pupates in a cocoon in the ground litter. The adult moth is less spectacular, with speckled dark grey forewings and pale orange hind wings. Wingspan about 60 mm.
Photo: Robert Whyte
Processionary Caterpillar
These Processionary Caterpillars Ochrogaster lunifer are grey and hairy with a brown head. They are famous for walking in processions. Their hairs (and those on the adult moths) can cause skin rash (urticaria) in sensitive people. The rash can last for months after the exposure, and easily become infected. When disturbed, the caterpillars are inclined to curl up into a tight hairy spiral. The caterpillars feed nocturnally on a variety of Australian native trees and shrubs, including wattles.
Photo: Mark Crocker
Processionary Caterpillar
During the daytime, the caterpillars hide communally in a nest, a shelter of silk, frass, old skins, and other debris. Sometimes this is located on the ground at the base of the food plant. The hairs from old skins in such a nest can get blown around and spread over adjacent vegetation, which is of concern for humans and animals in the area. When mature, the caterpillars move off to find somewhere to pupate, having grown to a length of about 40 mm. When they walk they are inclined to follow each other, nose to tail, like a miniature freight train. The adult moth has a wingspan of about 40 mm. They have forewings that are dark grey or brown, and hindwings that are white shading to grey at the base. Some have a pale dot in the centre of each forewing. The moths have a yellow-banded abdomen which ends in a white tuft of hairs. These and the hairs on their feet can cause urticaria. It is unwise to handle the moths directly.
Photo: Mark Crocker
