Lepidoptera Study - 19/01/21 - “Spiked inchworms”
Eucyclodes is a genus of Spiked inchworms I’m most familiar with, however, I still don’t have much information. And a lot of the larval stages of this genus have yet to be found.
Some examples of Eucyclodes caterpillars include: Eucyclodes metaspila “Gumtree bizarre looper”, Eucyclodes pieroides “Wattle bizarre looper”, and Eucyclodes insperata “Lacy Emerald”.
There are also some unknown species I’ve come across that have the same spiked body shape, like the Lichen-mimicking Caterpillar.
Although I am uncertain, it appears that having spikes protruding from the side of the upper back is a big trait of the genus.
However his trait also exists outside of Eucyclodes, This Cymatoplex caterpillar is also spiked in a similar way, though the early instar is more-so bumped. Eucyclodes maintain the back spikes throughout their larval stage, from what I’ve seen.
Specimens found QLD, Australia.