Some notes on Doratifera quadriguttata (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) larvae and their leaf consumption

Doratifera quadriguttata (Walker) larvae were raised in captivity on Eucalpytus populnea (Muell.) leaves. Morphological observations on the second to fifth instars are provided, including details of their average lengths and leaf consumption. All instars bore four protuberances with expandable stinging setae on their dorsal anterior. These setae were typically kept in a folded state (68% of the time), but immediately raised when the larvae were disturbed. The second instars consumed only around a third of the leaf laminal thickness in a “skeletonising” pattern and avoided most quaternary veins; while the third instars consumed over 80% of the leaf thickness and consumed most tertiary and quaternary veins. The maximum average larval length reached was 21 mm, with pupation occurring 24 to 35 days after hatching. The average time taken for the second instar stage was 7 days, then 10 days for the third instar and 5 days for the fourth instar. A further 34-45 days elapsed between pupation and eclosion. Larvae rapidly consumed the exuviae after each moulting. Both the consumed leaf area measured using a mobile phone application and the total dry frass weight showed little correlation with the total leaf area consumed, as measured by hand. However, the leaf surface area consumed each day increased logarithmically with larvae length.