About Euproctis lutea Fabricius, 1775
Euproctis lutea, commonly known as the fresh-water mangrove itchy caterpillar, is a moth species that belongs to the family Erebidae. This species was first formally documented in European scientific literature by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775. It occurs in northern Australia, including the Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales, as well as in New Guinea. The wingspan of an adult Euproctis lutea moth measures approximately 30 mm. The larvae of this species feed on Lycopersicon esculentum, Begonia species, Myosotis arvensis, Rosa odorata, Barringtonia acutangula, and Planchonia careya. When fully grown, Euproctis lutea larvae reach a length of around 15 mm. Contact between the hairs of these larvae and human skin causes intense itching.
