Page 302 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Limacodidae
DISTRIBUTION Nepal, northeast India, Myanmar, southern China, Thailand,
Laos, Vietnam, Borneo, Chinese Taipei, and southern Japan
HABITAT Lowland and montane tropical and subtropical forests
HOST PLANTS Many, including Rock Oak (Lithocarpus konishii),
lychee (Litchi spp.), and Liquidambar spp.
NOTE Caterpillar that has a geometric, tentlike shape
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but common

ADULT WINGSPAN
1 in (25 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
⅜ in (10 mm) DEMONAROSA RUFOTESSELLATA
DEMONAROSA
RUFOTESSELLATA
300
(MOORE, 1879)

The Demonarosa rufotessellata caterpillar is one of the non-
stinging species of limacodid larvae. It has a strange,
uncaterpillar-like tent shape with no obvious head or tail and can

be di cult to detect on the shaded underside of leaves. Typical

of cup moth larvae (also called slug moths or ski moths), the
Actual size caterpillars move slowly in a smooth, sluglike fashion. They do
not travel far and, before moving on, will consume the same leaf
until there is nothing left. The caterpillars pupate in a hardened
ball cocoon usually sandwiched between two leaves. Those with
a temperate distribution overwinter as pupae.

These caterpillars can occur in large numbers but are heavily
parasitized by species of braconid parasitic wasps. The wasp

larva developing inside a caterpillar eventually “mummi es” its
host into a hardened protective shell, within which it completes

its life cycle. The adult moth is particularly u y and colorful

and easy to recognize.

The Demonarosa rufotessellata caterpillar is
a smooth, non-stinging limacodid species that
has an unusual, peaked, angular shape with
an ambiguous rounded front end, pointed tail
end, and no distinct walking legs. It moves like
a slug with an adhesive muscular underbelly.
It is green, with the dorsal peaks outlined in
brown and intricate, armor-plating markings
across its top and sides.