The Emperor Gum Moth
The Emporer Gum Moth ranges from north
Queensland to Tasmania. Its wingspan measures 3
and a half to 5 inches. On the front and back wings
are two eye-like spots. They are strong flyers and
have large heavy hairy bodies.
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The caterpillars are large and when fully grown they turn into a beautiful
green colour. Each segment has six red tubercles, each one tipped with
strong blue and a tuft of light yellow spines.
The moth has a wonderful stripe along both sides of its body.
The caterpillars are common in Australia and pupate in December. They
make tough oval cocoons.
The lavae feed on the leaves of the eucalyptus, brush box and the
introduced pepper trees.
The life cycle often takes less than a year but may take longer. One
example has been recorded as being 10 years as a pupa. (1966 Australian
Museum publication.)
Research by Monique K. 4/5S
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Elanora Heights Primary School Computer Co-ordinator : 
Judith Bennett
This page was last modified on 1st April, 1998
