Tso Kung Tam Outdoor Recreation Centre – Eco-trail

 

Spot 1 – Camphor Tree and Indian Silk Moth

Introduction

Insects are generally repelled from Camphor tree because of the camphor contained in the tree. Indian silk moth is one of the few exceptions not affected by the toxic camphor. Adult Indian Silk Moths emerge in early spring. Eggs are laid on the Camphor Trees after mating. Numerous caterpillars eat enormously and grow fast. Sometimes, entire foliage is eaten up by the caterpillars, and new leaves would emerge within a few weeks. Long hairs and spines borne by the caterpillar make it looks awful. Actually, it is not poisonous and harmless to human. Mature larvae build their cocoons on the tree trunk, pupate inside the cocoons, and prepare to emerge in the early spring of the following year.

Photos

Larva of Indian Silk Moth	Cocoon of Indian Silk Moth	Indian Silk Moth adult

Information and photos are provided by Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre

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