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Post by lamprima2 on Apr 17, 2013 20:04:09 GMT -8
Is this a tiger moth larva? I often find them on the wall of my house.
Any suggestions on the species and the food plant?
I am in Encinitas, San Diego County, South California.
Thank you in advance,
Sergey
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Post by lamprima2 on Apr 17, 2013 20:09:17 GMT -8
Trying to attach the pick again Attachments:
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myko61
Junior Member
Posts: 28
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Post by myko61 on Apr 18, 2013 4:38:36 GMT -8
Sergey,
I can not tell from your photo, but if it has orange to red rings between the body segments. Your caterpillar is the Giant Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia). But I don't believe this species is known to be in your area.
Norm
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Post by boogtwo on Apr 18, 2013 7:43:35 GMT -8
You're on the right tract Norm.
Not impossible as a carried in escape H. scribonia. But for that genus, in southern CA suggests... Hypercompe permaculata. Right color for their larvae.
Could also be an Arachnis.
Right color to be A. aulaea (although normally found in southern AZ and south).
And while normally the larvae are red-brown, I have seen almost black A. picta larvae (either insularis or meadowski in southern CA), or even A. citra verna that is also found there.
If the OP rears some though to imago they won't be hard to determine. Easy enough to do.
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Post by lamprima2 on Apr 18, 2013 12:35:23 GMT -8
Norm and boogtwo,
Thank you for reply, I googled the species you mentioned.
It is almost certainly A. picta. I'll try to rear and let you guys know.
Best,
Sergey
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Post by boogtwo on Apr 19, 2013 3:07:51 GMT -8
A nice thing about both of these genera is they are polyphagous feeders, although they both only share a few of the same plants, like Brassica, Plantago, etc. But either should accept Taraxacum officinale.
If you are sure they are Arachnis, being in southern CA I know you'll have Eucalyptus, Medicago and Malva near you... probably Tifolium and Geranium, on the outskirts Atremisia, Lupinus and probably Senecioneae.
If Hypercompe, probably the easiest for you would be Salix, Citrus, Viola or Euphorbia.
FWIW
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Post by lamprima2 on Apr 19, 2013 11:41:48 GMT -8
Thanks again, boogtwo
The larva (its name is Michael) seems to be happy eating lettuce.
I'll give him/her Lupinus tonight.
Sergey
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Post by boogtwo on May 28, 2013 0:44:41 GMT -8
Been more than long enough... so, did you get it to pupa?
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