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Emperor gum moth part 2
life cycle (continued) The emperor gum moth in its tough brown cocoonWhen the caterpillar is fully mature it spins a dark brown silken cocoon on a branch which usually has a leaf to protect it with. When spinning is complete, the caterpillar sheds its final skin and takes the form of its pupal life stage. Within a day of spinning completion, the cocoon sets to a hard waterproof shell with a rough exterior and a smooth interior wall. Air holes can be seen along the side of the cocoon indicating that the cocoon is probably otherwise airtight. The moth usually emerges from the cocoon the following year (in Spring or early Summer) but depending on weather conditions can stay in the cocoon from anywhere between two and usually five years. several cases has even been recorded of a moth emerging out of the cocoon after 10 years.
eggs and young catapillars
full grown catapillar
The emperor gum moth moves by the use of its legs and its wings and is also capable of clinging on to branches and leaves.
