The bug has been described as ‘the cutest thing ever’
In a change from discovering deadly spiders and snakes, Australians have discovered what could possibly be the cutest bug ever.
The brown slug-like critter, which was discovered in a hedge of a woman’s home, is so adorable people are wondering if googly eyes have been taped to it.
The big eyes are even slightly pink, prompting the homeowner to rush to Facebook to ask if anyone knows what it is.
Although many did not know what the bug is, there was a consensus it was ‘the cutest thing they had ever seen’.
But it has been confirmed to be the larval form of the Pale Brown Hawk Moth.
Andrew Mitchell, an entomologist at the Australian Museum, told Yahoo: ‘It is most often found on vines, including grape vines, and they are quite common, especially around this time of year.
‘This species has quite a wide distribution, from the Kimberley region (in Western Australia) eastwards along the coastal strip all the way to Cape York (in far north Queensland) and then south to Sydney.’
They do not bite or sting but may release a green liquid if disturbed.
The bug is the larval form of the Pale Brown Hawk Moth
They do not bite or sting but may release a green liquid if disturbed
The body of the bug is a distinct brown colour to help disguise it from predators.
And the adorable eyes are used to startle predators and help protect itseld.
Mr Mitchell said: ‘When threatened they puff up the front of their body, raise it into the air, suck the head in a bit, and can look quite convincingly like a snake when viewed front on.’
Others are also green, and adults can grow up to 70mm in length.
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