Page 71 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

BUTTERFLY CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Hesperiidae
DISTRIBUTION Occasionally Texas; Mexico, south to Costa Rica and Panama,
and east to the Greater Antilles; South America, south to
Bolivia and southern Brazil
HABITAT Most tropical areas below 3,300 ft (1,000 m) elevation
HOST PLANTS Pea family (Fabaceae), particularly coral trees (Erythrina spp.)
NOTE Caterpillar that is an accomplished excrement thrower and
tent builder
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but common and unlikely to become endangered

ADULT WINGSPAN
2⅛–2⁹∕₁₆ in (55–65 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
1½–1¾ in (38–44 mm)
ASTRAPTES ALARDUS
FROSTED FLASHER 69

(STOLL, 1790)

The caterpillars of the widespread Frosted Flasher are
predictably found anywhere within their range that Erythrina
plants occur. Their distinctive, peaked tents, pyramidal in
shape and folded to the upper surface of the leaf along a narrow
strip of leaf, are easily spotted, even from a distance. When the

caterpillars have developed to the fourth or fifth instar, they
build a pocket-like shelter between two leaves, where they later
pupate. The caterpillars are skillful frass-throwers, with mature

larvae able to fling frass more than 3 ft (1 m).

Males perch in patches of sunlight, lying in wait for females.
When not searching for oviposition sites or guarding perches,
adults tend to rest upside down under large leaves, with their
wings closed. Frosted Flashers are probably among those species
slowly increasing their range, due largely to their use of coral
trees as host plants. The trees are commonly planted in large
numbers in both agricultural and populated areas, facilitating
invasion by this species.

The Frosted Flasher caterpillar is rather sluglike
in shape, with a bulbous, brown head decorated
with two prominent, bright orange “eyespots.”
The cervical area and prothoracic shield are well
sclerotized and bright crimson, contrasting with
a green body covered in ne yellow speckling.
The claspers are similar in coloration to the rst Actual size
thoracic section.