Other common name: Pine processionary
Scientific name: Ochrogaster lunifer
Distribution
Found throughout mainland Australia
Identification:
Caterpillar
40-50 mm when fully matured. Grey and hairy with a brown head.
Moth
The adult of this species is called a bag-sheltered moth. It has a wingspan of 55 mm. The moth is dark brown in colour with white markings on the forewings.
Behaviour
They are famous for walking in a procession. Each caterpillar leaves a trail of silk from the spinneret near its mouth. They are commonly found around wattle trees—crawling on the trunk and feeding on the leaves.
Danger
This caterpillar has thousands of urticating hairs that are dangerous to both animals and humans. In humans, if the hairs contact the skin, an intensely itchy and painful rash will soon occur.