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!
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?
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)
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.)
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Maroon larva
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