Page 170 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

BUTTERFLY CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Lycaenidae
DISTRIBUTION United States, from Connecticut west to southeast Iowa and
Missouri, south to east Texas, the Gulf Coast, and peninsular
Florida, with rare strays to Michigan and Wisconsin
HABITAT Forest and forest edges
HOST PLANTS Oak (Quercus spp.)
NOTE Cryptically green caterpillar found on the underside of leaves
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but common

ADULT WINGSPAN
1¼–1⅝ in (32–41 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
¾–1 in (20–25 mm)
PARRHASIUS M-ALBUM
WHITE M HAIRSTREAK
168
(BOISDUVAL & LECONTE, 1833)

White M Hairstreak caterpillars hatch from eggs likely laid at
the tip of branches of large trees, as do other hairstreak species
that feed on oak. Although the species’ complete life history has
not yet been described, it is probable that the young larvae, like
those of many other hairstreaks, feed on buds and fresh growth
Actual size
before moving to larger leaves. There are three generations a
year. Two will pupate on the underside of host plant leaves,
while the overwintering generation likely pupates in leaf litter.
Before pupation, the caterpillar turns reddish brown, makes
a silk pad on the leaf, and attaches itself with a girdle.

Like other lycaenid larvae, this caterpillar can be distinguished
from those of other families by the fleshy lobe on each proleg,

flanked on each side by rows of crochets—hardened hooklike

The White M Hairstreak caterpillar is green, structures that help larvae adhere to leaves and other surfaces.
turning reddish brown prior to pupation, and, The White M Hairstreak is the most northerly representative
typical of lycaenid caterpillars, is stout and

sluglike. It is covered with minute, white setae of an otherwise tropical genus, whose other five members are
and has a retracted head inside the prothorax,
which stays hidden unless the caterpillar is found from Mexico to Bolivia.
feeding. The ventral surface is closely pressed
against the leaf surface and at. Underneath,
the caterpillar is lightly colored.