Insect or Invertebrates Identification

[Saint In The City]

Welcome, Saint!

How long was it about?

Thanks for the warm welcome and the first ideas.
It's hard to remember exactly but I guess between 1.0 and 1.5 inches - 30 to 40 mm if the metric system is common here.
And no worries, patience is one of my strengths.

[ExFmem]

Welcome, Saint, any friend of an insect is a friend of mine.

I had looked at this last night and my first impression was the same as Klipspringer, but wanted to look further before posting. I STRONGLY suspect she is much more of an "expert", as I am merely an avid (rabid) fan of insects.

I have a Caterpillar ID book that broadly identifies caterpillars according to physical characteristics, and Tussock Moth caterpillars are known for their striking tufts of hair (tussocks), so that is the obvious first choice.

It's also important to keep in mind that caterpillars transition through up to 5 developmental stages (instars) between molts and shedding of their skins that can result in strikingly different appearances (change of colors, growth of "hair"/tufts, etc) for the exact same species, complicating the ID process.

"While the exact number of species belonging to the Erebinae is not known, the subfamily is estimated to include around 10,000 species…" So if, (when), you figure out which one it is, be sure and give us an update here.

[Richprins]

Have forwarded to Prof Braack!

[Klipspringer]

Hello

Here my second thoughts:


I think it's a late or final instar of a Monkey Moth caterpillar, Phiala sp.


Who is Prof Braak?

[Richprins]

He is one of our contacts, Klippies. Has helped us, if you look back over the thread!

[Klipspringer]

And third thoughts: one of the Lasiocampidae

If these guys here got it right, it would be a good match


https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/23058238

He is one of our contacts, Klippies. Has helped us, if you look back over the thread!

I mean what kind of Prof.

[Richprins]

Entomology!

[Klipspringer]

Ask an entomologist

[Dindingwe]

It makes me think of this caterpillar, although the colour is not the same. I saw it a while ago (Northern Kruger) and never thought to ask for an ID here It is rather long if I remember correctly.

Could it also be a Tussock Moth ?

[Richprins]

How long was it, Dingwe?