Gum leaf skeletoniser

The Australian insect, the gum leaf skeletoniser (Uraba lugens) arrived in Auckland in the early 2000s. They're now wide spread through-out the top and middle of the North Island with populations in Nelson in the South Island. The caterpillar is capable of devouring large amounts of gum leaves and exposure to the hairs of the caterpillar and their shed skins can cause an itchy raised rash on people.