Page 553 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Erebidae
DISTRIBUTION
TRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION Eastern Ecuador
DIS
HABITAT
HABIT
HABITAT T Edges of humid and semi-humid montane forests
A
HOST PLANTS
HOST PLANTS
HOS T PLANT S Unknown genus in the plant family Boraginaceae
NO
NOTE
NOTE Caterpillar whose coloration and behavior suggest it is unpalatable
TE
TION S
A
T
TUS
A
CONSERVATION STATUS
CONSERV
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but not considered threatened
ADULT WINGSPAN
1 ⁄ –1 ⁄ in (43–49 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH

1⅜–1¾ in (35–45 mm)
CROCOMELA ERECTISTRIA
CROCOMELA ERECTISTRIA 551
(WARREN, 1904)
The Crocomela erectistria caterpillar is fairly slender but appears
larger due to its setae-covered body. It is unequivocally
aposematic, calling attention to itself with bright yellow and
metallic blue markings. The caterpillars of this species feed in
groups of 10 to15 individuals, resting on the upper surface of
leaves—behavior that adds to their warning advertisement.
When disturbed, they lift their front and rear portions from the
surface of the leaf and thrash them about vigorously.

Within its fairly restricted known range, Crocomela erectistria is
relatively rare, with only one group of caterpillars ever having
been collected and reared (in northeastern Ecuador). Because
the caterpillars have been found feeding in large groups, it is
assumed that eggs are laid in large groups also; other aspects
of the life cycle of this species, however, remain undiscovered.
The brightly colored adults, seen more frequently than the
caterpillars, are weak, daytime fliers, sometimes observed
feeding at moist sand or roadside puddles.

The Crocomela erectistria caterpillar has a
shiny black head and a black body crossed by
thick, bright yellow, transverse stripes and with
sporadic metallic blue ecking. It is covered
with sparse, short to mid-length, fairly sti , black
setae, and the anterior and posterior segments
bear several very long, soft, slightly plumose
setae, some with white tips.

Actual size