Maroon larva

[Painted Jezebel]

This is being transferred from another forum.

This larva/grub was found on a foodplant of the Commander. Any idea of its ID? Unusual colouration, and I like the cream marking on the side. SK says he thinks its a moth, I'm not so sure, but he is usually right!

[atronox]

It looks quite like some lycaenids too expt for da colour.

[hkmoths]

This is definitely zygaenoid. In shape it resembles some of the Darna species (Limacodidae), although it also has a superficial similarity to Trypanophora semihyalinata (Zygaenidae). I don't supposed it was retained to rear through?

cheers,

Roger.

[Painted Jezebel]

Thank you Roger. No, unfortunately, I have not retained it. However, the plant is at my favourite waterfall, and I can try. The problem is I would only be able to get the foodplant when I visit it, and, after heavy rains, like we've had here the last 3 days, the plant is cut off from the bank by a torrent.

If I can rear it, how does it pupate. Does it descend the plant and pupate underground or is it an aerial pupater? (I would need to provide the right conditions)

[hkmoths]

T. semihyalinata will happily fold over a leaf or two of the hostplant and pupate therein. Most Limacodidae will do likewise.
I now think this is probably a Limacodidae rather than the burnet moth (photo of T. semihyalinata larva (3rd and final instars) & cocoon attached f.y.i.)

cheers,

Roger.

[atronox]

Bt this one lacks the 2 white spots.

[hkmoths]

Bt this one lacks the 2 white spots.

not to mention the "verrucae" (knobbly bits!!) on the dorsal edges - this is why I think (as I said in the previous post) it is not the zygaenid T. semihyalinata, but is a Limacodidae, possibly in the genus Darna.

cheers,

Roger.

[atronox]

I see. Missed that one.

[Painted Jezebel]

Visited plant yesterday. Despite rigorous search of the plant which amused various tourists, no sign of it. Will try again in next few days though.

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[Common Mime]

which amused various tourists,

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hahahaha the crazy farang