An imature larva, 3 instars from maturity
Body length, excluding tails, was about 2 cm / 0.75 inch.

Next-to-last instar larva, showing detail (at arrow) of retractable scent horns.
Each "tail" has a scent horn that can be extended when bothered.
The head-rearing posture is a typical aggressive stance.

A fully mature larva; body length was 4.5 cm / 1.75 inch.
Note the twin, small black horns above the scent horns;
these are positioned just above the anus.
When the larva expells a fras pellet, it flips the fras over
its back about a foot distant!

 

The pupa is formed preferably on the side of some semi-decayed wood.
The larva first turns brownish when it is ready to pupate
This pupa formed on Sept. 5, 1999; another formed on June 23, 2002.
The second specimen, perhaps because not having wood immediately available,
took only about two hours to complete its cocoon.

A view of the moth in rest position.
It eclosed on Sept 30, 1999.

The wingspan is about 5.7 cm / 2.25 inches.
 
 

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This page last updated 23-Jun-2002.