NOTODONTIDAE of Australia
Prominents, Bag Shelter Moths and Processionary Caterpillars.
NOCTUOIDEA

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

(updated 5 June 2008)

Many Caterpillars of this family adopt a characteristic posture when they feel threatened: they raise the tail and the head to make a U shape. Many of the species of NOTODONTIDAE have Caterpillars with reduced anal prolegs and several humps on their backs. Some are hairy and some are smooth except for a few spines and fleshy tubercles. Those with hairs and spines can cause urticaria in sensitive people. The Caterpillars typically remain exposed on the foodplant by day, although the adult moths are nocturnal fliers.

The 80 named Australian species of NOTODONTIDAE are:

Aglaosoma periblepta
Aglaosoma variegata

Cascera bella
Cascera muscosa

Cerura australis
Cerura multipunctata

Epicoma chrysosema
Epicoma contristis

Epicoma dispar
Epicoma melanospila : Black Spot Moth
Epicoma melanosticta

Epicoma pontificalis
Epicoma protrahens

Epicoma subargentea
Epicoma tristis

Trichiocercus mesomelas
Trichiocercus sparshalli

Link to
Frequently Asked Questions about Caterpillars

Australian butterflies

Australian caterpillars

Australian moths