Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is home to a diverse range of caterpillar species, from the common green caterpillar munching on lettuce to the fluffy ones that almost look cuddly. These critters are an integral part of the country's ecosystem, but they can also be a nuisance for gardeners due to their feeding habits. While some caterpillars pose no threat to humans, others, like the mottled cup moth caterpillar, can sting and should be avoided. The diet of these larvae varies greatly, with some eating leaves, stems, flowers, roots, wood, or even koala droppings! This article will explore the fascinating world of Australian caterpillars and their eating habits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of butterfly species in Australia | 370 |
| Number of moth species in Australia | 10,000 |
| Types of food eaten | Leaves, roots, wood, fruit, grains, grasses, vegetables, flowers, shoots |
| Food of specific species | Citrus tree leaves, cabbage leaves, Dutchman's vine, Indian birthwort, poisonous plants, Cape Lilac Tree leaves, Koala droppings |
| Appearance | Green, brown, grey, hairy, covered in spikes, brown with black tufts of hair, bright green with tapered end, green with yellow stripes, brown with orange spikes |
| Behaviour | March in lines, burrow into soil, hide on underside of leaves, curl into a spiral, eat through leaves |
| Dangerous to humans | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- Lawn armyworms: eat grasses and grains, breed in large numbers, and are highly destructive to crops and lawns
- Orchard swallowtail: feed on various citrus tree leaves and are considered a threat to crops
- White cabbage moth: feast on cabbage leaves, causing havoc on farmers' crops
- Black Jezebel: feed on various mistletoe plants found in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria
- Tailed emperor butterfly: feed on native Dutchman's vine or Indian birthwort, a poisonous plant
Lawn armyworms: eat grasses and grains, breed in large numbers, and are highly destructive to crops and lawns
Lawn armyworms are a type of caterpillar that can cause significant damage to lawns and crops. They are known for their aggressive feeding habits and ability to breed in large numbers, leading to quick destruction.
Lawn armyworms have a strong preference for grasses, including turfgrasses, and grains such as corn. They will readily feed on many different plants, but they show a particular liking for well-fertilised and maintained bermudagrass. Armyworms are surface feeders, munching on the tips of grass blades, and they leave behind tell-tale signs of their presence. Patches of brown, chewed-up grass blades are a clear indication of an armyworm infestation. The grass will appear flattened and discoloured, as if it has been run over by a steamroller.
Armyworms are highly destructive and can quickly turn a lush lawn into a ravaged yard. They feed on the foliage of plants, leaving behind brown patches that resemble heat, drought, or chemical stress. These brown areas usually appear along the perimeter first, with the plant leaves appearing chewed or torn, before moving towards the centre, where the leaves are cut off at the surface. The presence of birds, such as flocks of feeding birds, or paper wasps in turf areas can also indicate an armyworm infestation. These natural predators seek out armyworm larvae as a food source.
To prevent and control lawn armyworm infestations, it is essential to take proactive measures. Regular inspections for larvae or signs of their presence, such as green pellets of frass (larval excrement), are crucial. Commercial-grade pesticide applications throughout the year can help keep armyworm populations at bay. Additionally, maintaining a strong and healthy lawn by using lawn food products can make it more resilient to armyworm attacks.
While lawn armyworms can be destructive, with vigilance and timely interventions, their impact can be minimised, protecting lawns and crops from severe damage.
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Orchard swallowtail: feed on various citrus tree leaves and are considered a threat to crops
The Orchard swallowtail caterpillar is a common sight across Australia, except in Western Australia and Tasmania. These caterpillars are known for their distinctive diet of citrus tree leaves, particularly those from the Family Rutaceae, earning them the nickname "panache for citrus leaves". While some consider them a threat to crops, others argue that their impact is minimal and that the use of systemic pesticides poses a greater risk to the Orchard swallowtail population.
The Orchard swallowtail caterpillar has a unique life cycle and feeding behaviour. In their early instar stage, they resemble bird droppings, providing effective camouflage on the leaves they feed on. As they progress, they undergo a striking transformation, turning green with protective spikes along their abdomen. This adaptation helps them blend seamlessly into their leafy surroundings, making them master disguisers. After approximately four weeks of feeding on citrus leaves, they enter the pupal stage, eventually emerging as beautiful Orchard swallowtail butterflies.
The feeding habits of Orchard swallowtail caterpillars can be a concern for farmers and gardeners. While some consider them a threat to crops, it is worth noting that their preference for citrus leaves may be limited to younger leaves. Larger caterpillars, however, have been observed to consume older leaves as well. The extent of their impact may depend on the specific circumstances, such as the age of the plant and the number of caterpillars present.
To manage their presence effectively, some experts recommend adopting organic practices and avoiding systemic pesticides, which have been linked to the decline of Orchard swallowtail populations. Additionally, trap crops can be strategically employed to divert caterpillars away from desired plants. By understanding their behaviour and implementing thoughtful strategies, it may be possible to coexist with these fascinating creatures while minimising their impact on crops.
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White cabbage moth: feast on cabbage leaves, causing havoc on farmers' crops
Australia is home to a wide variety of moths, with about 10,000 described and named species, and likely many more yet to be discovered. One of these is the white cabbage moth, which was accidentally introduced to Australia in the early 1900s and has since wreaked havoc on farmers' crops.
The white cabbage moth caterpillar is a tiny green insect that feeds on cabbage leaves. They often hide on the underside of the leaves, protecting themselves from predators. The adult moths lay their eggs on the undersides of the leaves of cabbages and other brassicas, such as Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli. When the eggs hatch, the small green worms eat holes in the leaves and can find their way into the florets of broccoli and cauliflower.
The cabbage moth caterpillar is responsible for most of the damage done to crops. They feed on the leaves for around two weeks before pupating. The adult moths emerge from the pupae after about 10 days and mate soon after. The female moths can lay up to 300 eggs during their lifetime, often laying dozens of eggs at a time, which contributes to the extensive damage caused to cabbage crops.
There are several methods that can be used to control cabbage moth caterpillars and reduce the damage they cause. One way is to use row covers, which are made of a fine material that allows sun and rain to pass through while keeping the moths off the plants. Another method is to use companion planting, such as planting strongly perfumed herbs like lavender or other crops that can deter the moths. Trap crops, such as Nasturtium, can also be used to lure cabbage worms away from the main plant.
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Black Jezebel: feed on various mistletoe plants found in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria
In Australia, the Black Jezebel is the only Jezebel butterfly species native to the country. The Black Jezebel caterpillar feeds on various mistletoe plants found in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
Mistletoe plants are semi-parasitic shrubs often associated with Eucalypts, including Amyema, Muellerina, and Dendrophthoe species. These plants are commonly found in Eucalyptus Obliqua forests in Victoria, such as in Mount Macedon.
Mistletoe leaves may have higher nitrogen and mineral nutrient levels and fewer toxins than the host plant, which may be why butterflies have evolved to preferentially lay their eggs on them. This preference for mistletoe over host trees as egg-laying sites may have arisen through defoliation of the host or egg-laying near mistletoe plants.
The Black Jezebel caterpillar has spikes for protection after its first instar phase. Once it pupates, its chrysalis is a beautiful yellow colour with black dots.
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Tailed emperor butterfly: feed on native Dutchman's vine or Indian birthwort, a poisonous plant
The caterpillars of the Tailed Emperor butterfly are some of the most unique-looking among all species. After their first instar stage, these caterpillars develop two distinct sets of horns on their heads. Their bright green colour and horns help them hide easily in foliage to avoid predators. In the final instar stage before pupation, these caterpillars develop yellow stripes, which contrast against their green bodies. Once hatched, the caterpillars of the Tailed Emperor butterfly feed on native Dutchman's vine or Indian birthwort, which is a poisonous plant.
Dutchman's pipe, or Aristolochia, is a large plant genus with over 500 species. It is a type of evergreen and deciduous liana (woody vine) and herbaceous perennial. The simple leaves are alternate and cordate, membranous, and grow on leaf stalks. The flowers, which resemble curved pipes, are inflated and globose at the base, continuing as a long perianth tube and ending in a tongue-shaped, brightly coloured lobe. The plant is named for its resemblance to a smoking pipe.
Indian birthwort, or Aristolochia indica, is an endangered medicinal plant distributed throughout the tropical to temperate regions of the world. It is used to treat ulcers, fever, cholera, and bowel disorders in children during teething. It is also considered an antidote to snakebites and poisonous insects, and it stimulates menstrual flow. However, the plant contains aristolochic acid, which is toxic to butterflies.
While most Aristolochia and butterflies coexist, the Giant Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia gigantea) is too toxic for Pipevine swallowtails. The larvae may hatch, but they die soon after feeding on the foliage. If you are interested in hosting butterflies, it is recommended to plant a different variety of Dutchman's pipe vine.
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Frequently asked questions
Armyworm caterpillars are known to eat grasses and grains. They breed in large numbers and can eat away at large patches of lawn.
White cabbage moth caterpillars feast on cabbage leaves and are considered a garden pest.
Citrus swallowtail caterpillars feed on various citrus tree leaves.
Black Jezebel caterpillars feed on the various varieties of mistletoe plants found in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
Eating insects is a sustainable alternative protein source with nutritional benefits. Insect protein contains a good range of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
