Author: Lynda Perkins

Australasian Equine Science Society meeting

The AESS meeting for 2018 was held in June on the Gold Coast. The meeting was opened by Professor Wayne Bryden.  Student G. Crisci and Dr Judy Cawdell-Smith spoke about caterpillars and pregnancy loss, and Prof Myron Zalucki gave an update on research about horse exposure and caterpillars on farms.

Caterpillars on the march to winter homes

Processionary caterpillars use their long hairs to stay in touch.

The common name for Ochrogaster lunifer larvae – processionary caterpillars – comes from their habit of crawling head-to-tail in congo lines. From late March to June processionary caterpillars leave the nests where they have been living and growing over the warmer months. Going on our observations, and videos and photos posted on social media sites, the main period for processions of caterpillars being seen is late March and early April. Processions may comprise up to 100 caterpillars when they leave their nest, but the lines break up as they move around looking for suitable places to bury themselves for the winter.

Processions are often seen in autumn.

On the beach – posted to social media site.

Female moths have emerged for spring

These great photos of a female Ochrogaster lunifer (Bag-shelter moth) of the ground-nesting form have been sent in by Abigail D. The shots were taken on 25th October at Mudgeeraba QLD. Note the white scales on the rear of the moth’s abdomen. As she is laying her eggs at the base of a wattle tree, the female covers the eggs with these scales to protect them. The scales can cause itching and a rash.

Processionary caterpillar season starts in SE Qld.

Adult Bag-shelter moths (Ochrogaster lunifer) have been emerging from pupae during October and egg masses are starting to appear in areas where the moth is prevalent. There is 5 – 6 week window from egg lay to when the 2nd stage (instar) caterpillars start feeding in the tree canopy. Although only about half of the egg masses laid by female moths develop into caterpillar nests, this is a good time to remove any egg masses seen on properties that have the potential to cause problems later in the season. When removing egg masses observe all safety procautions including avoiding contact with skin and eyes, avoid breathing in the moth scales covering the eggs, do not remove in windy weather, and hypersensitive individuals should not attempt removal.