New Critter

[Rowan]

Just had to share the following.. a new critter found near my garden layout this morning.... only found it cos I brushed up against it...........Those antennae extend out when the critter is disturbed and really itch the skin.........

 

[JoeCool]

...and that's why my trains are indoors. Is that an insect or what?

[Bill Wray]

So, Rowan, how long until you slap a motor block under it?

[Rowan]

It's a caterpillar............
and no, I will not be going anywhere near them........

 

[Tommy Two Strikes]

Rowan,

You have discovered  the Mottled Cup Moth, Doratfer vulnerans (Limacodidae), a beautiful specimen from the Stinging Caterpillar... well it's what I think it is 

t2x

[Rowan]

t2x,
You are correct... googling the name brings this site.......

http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_loopers/MottledCup.htm

Cheers
Rowan

[bkbates]

Rowan,

Somehow the critter looks like it would be at home on your railway.

B2

[Tommy Two Strikes]

It does look like something Walt Disney would have in his garden!

[otherunicorn]

Our local colorful caterpillar:
http://australianmuseum.net.au/image/Emperor-Gum-caterpillar

We used to have dozens of these around when I was a kid. Haven't seen one in 30 years. Says a lot, doesn't it?

[Tommy Two Strikes]

Very colorful!