New February 2003
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Contents
Caterpillars
Royal moths and silkworm moths
Hornworms
Swallowtails
Tussock moths
Tiger moths
Slug caterpillars
Puss caterpillars
Cutworms, armyworms, underwings and dagger moths
Whites and sulphurs
Tent caterpillars
Brush-footed butterflies, fritillaries and wood nymphs
Prominents and oakworms
Loopers and cankerworms
Milkweed butterflies
Skippers
Bagworms
Snout and grass moths
Sawflies
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Caterpillars in Your Yard and Garden
Brush-footed butterflies, fritillaries and wood nymphs
Red-spotted purple caterpillars (Limenitis arthemis) are present from early summer to fall. They produce two generations per year.
The full-grown caterpillar is about 1.5 inches long with white, green, yellow-brown and brown patches mottled together to look like a bird dropping. Arising from the second thoracic segment is a pair of large, brown spines or horns that are barbed. From the top of the second abdominal segment is a pair of large, light-colored swellings or bumps. Host plants include willow, apple, wild cherry, wild crab, elm, oak and other tree and shrub species.
About the family
Brush-footed butterflies, fritillaries and wood nymphs belong to the Nymphalidae family. Caterpillars have variable color patterns ranging from longitudinal stripes to mimicking a bird dropping. Most species are covered with prominent spines and tubercles.
IPM1019, new February 2003
