Dear Katie Bagli, I beleive that this is a Red slug caterpillar, Eterusia magnifica Butler under family Zygaenidae: Lepidoptera (Moth), which is popularly known as Tea Pests of NE India.It may not be the same species but may be some other species or subspecies. It is difficult say at this moment as the the proper identification would be only possible, if this caterpillar is allowed to grow in a enclosed perforated container, provided with mature leaves, then it will undergo cocoon (pupate) there (will remain dormant without food for 10- 25 days) and the matured moth will come out. If this process is followed, then someone who is working on moths will give the exact confirmation. The red slug caterpillar mainly feeds on Camellia sinensis assamica and some other similar species of plants. If you handle this caterpillar with your bare hand, it sceretes an irritant liquid from its body and we may have burning itching at the target sites (but not at palm side of our hands). Try to identify the host plant. with best wishes rajib rudra tariang
Rajib Rudra Tariang Lecturer, Department of Zoology, Digboi College,Digboi. Dist. Tinsukia. Assam. Pin: 786171 Mobile:+91-98541-38188 Email:[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Contact Add; Rajib Rudra Tariang, Kanoi College Hostel Road, Naliapool, Dibrugrah. Dist. Dibrugarh, Assam. Pin: 786001 Pin --- On Sat, 14/8/10, katie bagli <[email protected]> wrote: From: katie bagli <[email protected]> Subject: [ButterflyIndia] Caterpillar from Amboli To: "butterflyindia" <[email protected]> Date: Saturday, 14 August, 2010, 9:16 PM Hi friends, Can someone pl. id this caterpillar I found at Parikshit Point in Amboli? Many thanks, katie -- Enjoy
