Caterpillar Foster care

The Forktree Project has given rise to many unexpected and often inspiring stories. A recent favourite is this tale of caterpillar foster care, courtesy of Malcolm Worthing, bird and lepidoptera expert and author of the site’s bird and lepidoptera survey:

“Last year during the Forktree Bird and Lepidoptera 2021 Survey, two Margined Browntail Moths (Euproctis marginalis) were observed and since one individual was assumed to be dead (it had been upside down and motionless for 20 minutes), it was packed away for further identification. However, by the next morning, two batches of eggs covered in fur were found in the bag. Upon this discovery, the female adult was immediately returned to Forktree but the eggs were not moved due to fear of them becoming damaged.

“Later, on the 26th of January, the caterpillars hatched and were grown on SA Blue Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon) so that they could be easily reintroduced to Forktree which also has SA Blue Gum.

“Finally on March the 11th we had the joy of returning this new generation of 19 Margined Browntail Moth caterpillars to Forktree. These caterpillars will not only ensure this species remains at Forktree, but will also help provide a food source for the growing number of insectivorous bird species.”

Thank you, Malcolm, for another encouraging biodiversity update.

Photographs, left to right: the Margined Browntail moths hatching; Malcolm releasing the caterpillars at Forktree; recording the moment; home again at last: a Margined caterpillar, newly released, settling back in at Forktree.