Common name : Gum leaf skeletoniser caterpillar
Scientific name : Uraba lugens
Family : Nolidae
Native to : Australia, New Zealand
Interesting fact : This caterpillar has been nicknamed the ‘mad hatter-pillar’ on account of its exoskeleton feature.
As a moth, its wingspan is about 25-30 mm. In the caterpillar stage, this insect keeps shedding an exoskeleton only on the head. However, the exoskeleton stays attached to its body, gradually making its head look bigger and bigger as each new exoskeleton’s size increases. Its diet is comprised of the leaves of the eucalyptus plant. The female can lay about 100-200 eggs in one clutch.
