whats this creature ?

[steamingbill]

Hey,

I have seen a couple of these around the garden now.

Small twigs knitted together with some sort of strong elastic secretion forming a pod apprx 14cm total length and 2cm maximum diameter

Inside there is a humungous great big fat orangey yellow thing a bit like a witchetty grub. It came out to play one warm day when I put the pod in a jar to see what would come out. Didnt have camera at the time.

Anybody know whether or not this grub turns into a moth or butterfly ? Or is it simply a huge orange grub ?

We are in Latrobe Valley Gippsland near the coal mine where the big fires were recently

Bill

[Uncle Al]

Dunno what they are called, but as a kid in Sydney, they were very common.
I'm pretty sure it is a butterfly, but could be a moth. (Not sure of the difference).
Wouldn't think they are dangerous in any way.
Bit intriguing how they are formed, but that is nature for you.

Alan...

[jhovel]

All grubs ar pupae that turn into an insect. COuld be butterfly, moth or other flying insect. This one sound like a whopper! I'll ask my daughter to identify it for you.

[joez]

I think they are called Case Moths....


http://museumvictoria.com.au/discoverycentre/discovery-centre-news/2009-archive/case-moths/

309905

[jhovel]

Answer from daughter received:
probably a Saunders' Case Moth.
You already have the reference to the Museum.
Here is a bit more info if you want it.
https://www.google.com.au/url?q=http://www.qm.qld.gov.au/Learning%2BResources/~/media/Documents/Learning%2520resources/QM/Resources/Fact%2520Sheets/fact-sheet-case-moths.pdf&sa=U&ei=mDRGU8eVJIGbkgXQxIHgBQ&ved=0CCAQFjAA&sig2=zAi5I3AlvkY5afBbcfkVpQ&usg=AFQjCNGjYVjRSG3AOVSyDoUlmVjbSX7sTA

[steamingbill]

Thanks,

That was quick ...........

Will go out again and have a look for something more difficult.

Bill

[pjt]

I have seen same thing about in the garden here Bill, orange and black caterpillar, I'd say only a small part of it ventures out of it's stick camouflaged home, very timid critter, any noise and it immediatedly withdraws into its cocoon and waits till it thinks it's safe, pulls the opening closed like a draw string bag.




Pete

[_fly_]

The caterpillar inside will drag it around to eat and links itself to where it gets to.
Then it does what all caterpillars do and turn into a butterfly or moth.
Very common in Melbourne, used to collect them as kids and put in tupperware with new leaves to eat every few days.
Can't remember which leaves they where.

[chuck1]

http://www1.ala.org.au/gallery2/d/30067-2/metura_elongatus_01.jpg

Bit late but some more info on them!

oppss just a photo of what it turns into!