Caterpillar in NE PA

krambo
New Member

Posts: 5

Caterpillar in NE PA Aug 12, 2011 7:50:07 GMT -8

Quote

Post by krambo on Aug 12, 2011 7:50:07 GMT -8

Found this guy on the side of my house in North East PA, 2 days ago. I am used to interesting cats in the area however this one throws me for a loop. I initially thought it was a Hackberry due to the tree near by however I do not think so.

Food source near by:

Hackberry
Wild Black Cherry
Walnut
Ash
Dogwood

Boxwood shrubs
Winterberry Holly shrub

He is now pupating, hanging upside down, typical of most butterfly caterpillars (think monarch).

Any help would be apreciated!

Attachments:

bluemoth Senior Member Posts: 293	Caterpillar in NE PA Aug 13, 2011 11:35:07 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by bluemoth on Aug 13, 2011 11:35:07 GMT -8 Looking at my book of butterfly caterpillars of the US I beleave you found a Red Spotted Purple larva ( limenitis arthemis ). The skin under the black horns on the larva is light tan not white as in the Viceroy larva.

starlightcriminal Senior Member Posts: 313	Caterpillar in NE PA Aug 15, 2011 3:59:25 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by starlightcriminal on Aug 15, 2011 3:59:25 GMT -8 Yep, that's it. They eat Prunus serotina in the south, one of the hosts you found nearby.

krambo New Member Posts: 5	Caterpillar in NE PA Aug 17, 2011 12:39:33 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by krambo on Aug 17, 2011 12:39:33 GMT -8 Awesome! You guys are great, thank you so much. While they are found in my area time to time, this is my first larva.

Post by krambo on Aug 12, 2011 7:50:07 GMT -8

Post by bluemoth on Aug 13, 2011 11:35:07 GMT -8

Post by starlightcriminal on Aug 15, 2011 3:59:25 GMT -8

Post by krambo on Aug 17, 2011 12:39:33 GMT -8