Page 316 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Zygaenidae
DISTRIBUTION The Himalayas, northern India, southern China,
and Southeast Asia
HABITAT Shaded understory of elevated forests
HOST PLANTS Aporosa spp.

NOTE Caterpillar that mimics particular butter y larvae
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but not uncommon

ADULT WINGSPAN
2⅜–2¾ in (60–70 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
1 ⁄ in (30 mm)
CYCLOSIA MIDAMA
CYCLOSIA MIDAMA
314
(HERRICH-SCHÄFFER, 1853)

Cyclosia midama caterpillars hatch from eggs laid individually,
usually on twigs and branches of the host plant or adjoining
vegetation, and tend to position themselves on the underside of
leaves during development. When under threat, they produce
distasteful cyanoglucosides, expressed in a halo of clear droplets,
from the tips of their body tubercles; if not dislodged from the
secretory pore, these can be reabsorbed once the threat has
passed. Associated spines are also urticating on contact. There
are two generations during the summer months; the caterpillars
feed in June and July, and in October and November.

It has been proposed that both the caterpillars and adults of

Cyclosia midama mimic separate species of butter ies (Troidini
papilionid swallowtail larvae and Euploea mulciber adults). All
are unpalatable at every life stage, so this would be a case of
Müllerian mimicry (where different species develop similar
characteristics as a protective measure). At least seven subspecies
are described, but obvious differences in size, wing shape,
markings, and adult genitalia may indicate there is actually more
than one species involved.

Actual size The Cyclosia midama caterpillar is covered
in evenly spaced, crimson protuberances
on a pale pink base interspersed with black
markings. Each of these protuberances is
topped with one or two sharp spines as well
as a cyanoglucoside-secreting cuticular cavity.
The central two abdominal segments are
glossy porcelain white bordered by black.
The head is almost always kept concealed
beneath a membranous hood.