Worm or Caterpillar? | InsectNet Archive Forum

greenbean21
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Worm or Caterpillar? Dec 18, 2020 8:52:56 GMT -8 via mobile

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Post by greenbean21 on Dec 18, 2020 8:52:56 GMT -8

Hi there. I live in Maryland and I found this critter on my bathroom floor a few weeks ago. It's been too cold to put it outside so I've had it in a container since then. I thought he was a mealworm and then began thinking he is a caterpillar. I've put food in for both types of insects but he seems to be weak and I'm not sure he is still eating. He did have a webbing in his container up until a few days ago.

Also, if he is a caterpillar, where on earth do I get milk weed? Thanks!

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Adam Cotton
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Country: Thailand

Worm or Caterpillar? Dec 18, 2020 9:18:53 GMT -8

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Post by Adam Cotton on Dec 18, 2020 9:18:53 GMT -8

You don't need milkweed, as it isn't a monarch larva. Only the larvae of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) and a few close relatives eat milkweed.

It may be some sort of mealworm (beetle larva) but I am not familiar with those. Perhaps someone will recognise it.

Adam.

kevinkk
Premium Member - 2022

Posts: 827
Country: Oregon,USA

Worm or Caterpillar? Dec 18, 2020 16:07:25 GMT -8 Adam Cotton likes this

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Post by kevinkk on Dec 18, 2020 16:07:25 GMT -8

looks like a mealworm to me as well. The way to tell a caterpillar from a beetle grub, is that a beetle grub has no back feet, only the 6,
3 on each side at the front of the animal.
Caterpillars at least all that I'm familiar with, have multiple feet, and back feet that clasp onto things.