Page 337 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Drepanidae
DISTRIBUTION North America, from southern Canada to southern United States
HABITAT Moist forests, woodlands, and shrublands
HOST PLANTS Alder (Alnus spp.), birch (Betula spp.), oak (Quercus spp.),
poplar (Populus spp.), and willow (Salix spp.)
NOTE Wrinkly caterpillar that is found in silked-up leaf shelters
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated

ADULT WINGSPAN
1⅝–1 ⁄ in (41–43 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
1¼–1⅜ in (32–35 mm)

PSEUDOTHYATIRA CYMATOPHOROIDES
TUFTED THYATIRIN 335
(GUENÉE, 1852)

Tufted Thyatirin caterpillars hatch from eggs laid by the
female moth on a wide range of deciduous trees. The larvae are
solitary and feed alone, usually by night, on a range of hardwood

shrubs and trees; those in the Paci c northwest are said to favor
members of the rose (Rosaceae) family. The caterpillars form Actual size
shelters by tying together the edges of one or more adjacent
leaves and rest concealed within them. When disturbed, the
caterpillars drop to the ground and curl up, sometimes emitting
clear uid from the mandibles as a defensive ploy. The species

overwinters as a pupa within a cocoon spun in leaf litter.

The adults are nocturnal and their ight period extends from

early June to September. The species is generally single-
brooded but may have a partial second brood in the south. Flies
(tachinids) frequently parasitize this caterpillar, with maggots
developing internally. The Tufted Thyatirin is the only member
of its genus, Pseudothyatira.

The Tufted Thyatirin caterpillar is yellow to orange
brown with ne, reticulate mottling dorsally and dark
transverse lines. The overall appearance is wrinkly,
and the thorax is swollen. There is usually a white
spot over the spiracle on abdominal segment one.
The head is orange with ne, paler markings.