A rare, exciting find - Emperor Gum Moth caterpillars in Bayside
Banksia Bulletin contributor John Eichler was thrilled when he rediscovered rare caterpillars in Black Rock recently.
The following article is taken from the Banksia Bulletin - Autumn 2023 edition.
Words by Pauline Reynolds
Photos by John Eichler, Pauline Reynolds and Val Stajsic
On 20 February, John Eichler spotted Emperor Gum Moth caterpillars in a Coast Manna Gum (Eucalyptus pryoriana) at George Street Reserve. On a leaf nearby were 12 hatched eggs, so we could have missed one caterpillar or perhaps we lost one.
Emperor Gum Moths are rare now due to the European Wasp, which eats the caterpillars and the wings of the newly emerged moths. It was most heartening to see both the moth and the caterpillars. Perhaps the moth is making a gradual comeback, which John mentioned in his Banksia Bulletin article in Autumn 2018.
