Doratifera quadriguttata

Doratifera quadriguttata (Walker, 1855)
(one synonym : Doratiophora lewini)
Four Spotted Cup Moth
LIMACODIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

(updated 6 December 2006)

The eggs of this species are laid in clusters of 40 or so, and are covered by hair by the mother moth.

This Caterpillar is green with a delicate pattern of pink markings and paired black and white spots along its back. The patterned skin is raised into four knobs on the thorax. Red stinging hairs are protruded from these when the Caterpillar is disturbed. In this way, this Caterpillar can be distinguished from those of other species of Doratifera, which additionally have four sets of stinging hairs on the rear of the abdomen. Along the sides of the Caterpillar are green fleshy spikes, like a skirt. The anterior spikes are reddish. The Caterpillars move like slugs because their legs are reduced.

(Photo: courtesy of Allan Pratt, Brisbane)

The Caterpillars feed on:

Gum Trees ( Eucalyptus, MYRTACEAE ),

Water Gum ( Tristaniopsis laurina, MYRTACEAE ),

Brush Box ( Lophostemon confertus, MYRTACEAE ),

Stilted Mangrove ( Rhizophora stylosa, RHIZOPHORACEAE ), and

Wattles ( Acacia, MIMOSACEAE ).

The Caterpillars grow to length of about 2 cms.

(Photo: courtesy of the Macleay Museum, University of Sydney)

The pupa is enclosed in a strong woody cocoon, spun between leaves. It is oval with a small cap at one end. When the moth emerges, the pupal case is left in the cocoon, with the cap hinged to one side.

(Photo: courtesy of the Macleay Museum, University of Sydney)

The adults are a uniform brown colour, with a row of two or four black dots across each fore wing. The moths have a wingspan of about 3 cms. They are very similar to the adults of Doratifera casta, but the Caterpillars are entirely different.

(Photo: courtesy of Merlin Crossley)

The Caterpillars have been found in Maryborough, Sydney, and Melbourne.