Page 230 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World
P. 230
BUTTERFLY CATERPILLARS
FAMILY Nymphalidae
DISTRIBUTION India, Sri Lanka, southern China, Sumatra, Java, Bali,
and northern and eastern Australia
HABITAT Open forests and woodlands, riparian areas, gullies, and gardens
HOST PLANTS Wide range in Asclepiadaceae (milkweeds), Moraceae ( gs),
and Apocynaceae (dogbanes)
NOTE Smooth-bodied, vividly colored caterpillar that has ornate tentacles
CONSERVATION STATUS Least concern and common in its range
ADULT WINGSPAN
2¾–3 in (70–75 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
1¾–2⅛ in (45–55 mm)
EUPLOEA CORE
COMMON CROW
228
(CRAMER, 1780)
Common Crow caterpillars hatch from eggs laid singly on the
undersides of young leaves and owers of host plants. The larvae
feed on soft new growth and usually pupate on the underside of
a leaf or some other part of the host plant. Larval development
varies in duration from three to ten weeks, according to host
plant species, temperature, and the seasonal quality of new
shoots. Caterpillar survival rates are poor at temperatures below
about 68°F (20°C).
The caterpillars feed on generally poisonous plants and have
evolved feeding strategies to minimize exposure to such
toxins, while using some of them for defense. For example,
if disturbed, the larvae will exude uid containing toxins from the
mouth to deter a predator. Adults form large, nonreproductive
aggregations during the dry season in sheltered habitats, often
near creeks. Occasionally, migratory ights will occur, usually
to more humid areas. Many subspecies occur throughout the
Common Crow’s range.
The Common Crow caterpillar is orange or
Actual size orange brown, each segment with several narrow,
transverse black bands, partly edged with white,
and a black-and-white ventrolateral band. There
are four pairs of long, black, eshy tentacles on
the third, fourth, sixth, and twelfth segments.
The head is shiny and smooth, with alternating
black and white, semicircular bands.
