Page 633 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Noctuidae
DISTRIBUTION United States, from southern Maine, south to Florida,
and west to Texas and Illinois
HABITAT Woodlands and forest edges
HOST PLANTS Greenbrier (Smilax spp.)
NOTE Caterpillar that is a group-feeding leaf defoliator
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but secure and regularly occurring

ADULT WINGSPAN
1 ⁄ in (30 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
Up to 1⅜ in (35 mm)

PHOSPHILA TURBULENTA
TURBULENT PHOSPHILA 631
HÜBNER, 1818

The Turbulent Phosphila caterpillar is a common species,
typically encountered at early instars in tight clusters feeding
gregariously on the underside of greenbrier leaves. Young
larvae are pale green or tan in color, with a shiny black head
and thoracic shield and indistinct lines traversing the length of
their bodies. The more recognizable black-and-white, pinstriped
“referee shirt” appearance manifests itself as the caterpillar
matures. Later instar larvae may wander o to feed on their

own but prefer to regroup into layered colonies, alternated back
to front, when at rest.

On the posterior of the Turbulent Phosphila, a swollen fake
head and “face” are designed to thwart predation. When
threatened, the caterpillar curls its true head into the body and
displays the false one as an alternative. It may also release its
grip on the vine and drop to the ground to hide in leaf litter
below. Two generations are typical throughout most of its
range, with larvae present from May to November. The pupa
overwinters, wrapped in silk within an enclosed leaf.

The Turbulent Phosphila caterpillar has a
head and posterior that are strikingly similar
in appearance. Both are black with white
eyespots and other markings. The upper torso
Actual size
is pinstriped in black and white. Yellow-orange
coloration extends along the length of the
lower body.