The Cabbage Tree Moth caterpillar is one of the world’s largest and most striking, growing up to 70 mm (2.8 in) long and 15 mm (0.59 in) wide. Its colours range from black with white spines to red with yellow spines, giving it an alien-like appearance.
Despite its intimidating look, it is harmless. Its spines are soft, while its bright colours deter predators. It is also eaten by people in tropical Africa and valued for its size and nutritional content.
The caterpillars eat voraciously, quickly stripping cabbage trees of their leaves. They burrow into the soil to pupate before emerging as large brown moths with patterned wings.