Page 237 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

BUTTERFLY CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Nymphalidae
DISTRIBUTION Southern United States, south through Mexico, Central America,
and some Caribbean islands, and South America to northern
Argentina and Uruguay
HABITAT Humid lowland and foothill forests
HOST PLANTS Cecropia spp.
NOTE Distinctive, large, spiky caterpillar whose pupa wriggles
if disturbed
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but not likely to become endangered

ADULT WINGSPAN
4¼–4⅝ in (110–120 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
2¾–2 ⁄ in (70–72 mm)
HISTORIS ODIUS
STINKY LEAFWING 235

(FABRICIUS, 1775)

Early instar Stinky Leafwing larvae make frass chains at the
margins of their host plant leaf, presumably to avoid the stinging
ants that often reside within the stems of Cecropia trees. Larger
larvae rest along the terminal meristem and are apparently not
bothered by the ants. If touched, the large, dead-leaf colored
pupa wriggles vigorously about, like a sh out of water. This

behavior has led to the local name of pescadillo, meaning “little

sh,” in some areas of Costa Rica.

Like the adults of the only other member of the genus, Historis

acheronta, adult Stinky Leafwings are extremely powerful yers
and spend most of their time in the forest canopy feeding on
overripe and damaged fruit. They are, however, familiar to
anyone who has camped or stayed outdoors in the American The Stinky Leafwing caterpillar has a somewhat
Tropics, as adults quickly descend to procure minerals from square head capsule, which is prominently
lobed, each lobe bearing a stout, spiny horn
backpack straps, sweaty socks, and muddy boots left out to dry. ending in a rosette of spines. The head is mostly
dark brown, except for an orange area around
the base of the horns. The body is pale tannish
brown with whitish-yellow transverse stripes and
bears clusters of spines—orange dorsally and
yellowish laterally.

Actual size