Page 513 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Notodontidae
DISTRIBUTION North America, south from Quebec to Florida, west to Manitoba
and Texas
HABITAT Fields, woodlands, and roadside edges
HOST PLANTS Legumes (Fabaceae), including bush clover (Lespedeza spp.) and
locust tree (Gleditsia spp.)
NOTE Brightly colored caterpillar that has a distinctive black spot
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but rarely found in northern parts of its range

ADULT WINGSPAN
1 ⁄ –1⅝ in (30–41mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
DASYLOPHIA ANGUINA 1 ⁄ in (40 mm)
BLACK-SPOTTED
PROMINENT 511

(J. E. SMITH, 1797)

The Black-spotted Prominent caterpillar is widely sought but
seldom seen. In the eastern United States, it is most commonly
encountered at high elevations by searching roadside locust
trees. Inactive larvae are often found resting on the stems of
young trees. When threatened, the caterpillar assumes the
classic “prominent pose”—arching its back and posterior in
an e ort to appear more intimidating to would-be predators.

A distinguishing black spot on the dorsum is its most de ning
characteristic. Its bright coloration suggests possible toxicity to
predators. When fully developed, the larvae pupate in soil or
leaf litter, and the pupae overwinter.

The brownish adult moths, which are somewhat mundane in
comparison to their colorful larvae, y from April to September.

A single brood of caterpillars typically peaks in late summer, but
they can be found from May to November. The Dasylophia
anguina caterpillar is similar in size and design to the more
common Red-humped Oakworm (Symmerista canicosta),
a ubiquitous oak feeder that shares its range.

The Black-spotted Prominent caterpillar has a
distinctive red head and a large, black mark on
the dorsum. Yellow, lavender, and orange stripes
traverse the length of its body. A series of thin,
black stripes bisect the lavender portions. A pair
of fake eyes and short “antennae” are evident on Actual size
the posterior.