| Latin Name | Observation date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Orvasca subnotata | January 30 2025 | Buket Alue Puteh, Aceh, Indonesia |
Orvasca subnotata is a species of caterpillar that is quite interesting to discuss, especially because of its ecological role and characteristics. This species of caterpillar is included in the Eribidae family a group that includes many night moths, although this caterpillar is not as popular as other caterpillars, Orvasca subnotata has its own power for nature observers and insect lovers like us.
The main habitat of this caterpillar is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas and especially in areas with quite dense vegetation, I found this caterpillar on long bean plants that we cultivate, this caterpillar is one of the pests that damages plants, in the first and second photos you can see I saw that our long bean vegetables had been eaten and left traces that would make these vegetables rot in a short time, however, this caterpillar caught my attention because of its very beautiful body shape, texture and pattern.
One of the interesting things about Orvasca subnotata is the pattern and color of its body which can function as a self-defense mechanism from various kinds of threats, and especially threats from predator hunters. Even though this caterpillar looks beautiful, I never recommend that you touch it, this caterpillar contains chemical compounds in their body and if there is direct contact, the skin will immediately cause irritation, itching like burning, so it is better not to touch them if you find them in the wild or anywhere.
The metamorphosis process of Orvasca subnotata is not much different from other caterpillars, after hatching from the egg the larva (caterpillar) begins to look for food and grows through several instars or growth stages, each instar is usually marked by a change of skin because the caterpillar's body continues to develop until it reaches a certain size. , after reaching the final larval stage they will look for a safe place to metamorphose into pupae (cocoons), and this stage can last for several days to weeks, this depends on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
After becoming an adult moth, Orvasca subnotata also has unique characteristics that differentiate it from other moths in the same family, they usually have distinctive colors and patterns, which can function as a means of camouflage or as a warning signal for predators, some species in the Eribidae family even have the ability to produce ultrasonic sounds as a defense mechanism against bats which are the main predators in the nocturnal world.
| Camera used | smartphone |
|---|---|
| Lens | - |
| Photography | Orvasca subnotata |
| Location | Buket Alue Puteh |
| Photographer | @lightofhope |
| Link to original | community |
|---|---|
| Link | https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/260247456 |
| Latitude Longitude | Map | |
|---|---|---|
| =5.080479 | =97.46383 | https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=5.0804793232&mlon=97.4638302997 |
Very beautiful picture my friend I am very interested to see it
Thanks very much buddy
Many of them say that caterpillars are pests, but for me they are such interesting and amazing creatures of God, look!!! what a beautiful picture you took...thank you for entertaining us with beautiful pictures🤗🤗🤗
Glad to hear, beautiful day to you ☺️