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Photo#676233
white moth- adults pupa and caterpillar together - Lymantria dispar

white moth- adults pupa and caterpillar together - Lymantria dispar
Mont Saint Bruno, Quebec, Canada
July 15, 2012
A group of three adult moths ( two brown and one white moth ) together with a pupa and a caterpillar. They were found together in a crevice on a concrete gate post. I noticed this group when I saw the white moth land in the group. I have never seen this kind of group before and would like to know, first, what type of moth it is, and second, whether it is normal for them to "nest" at three different life stages. Third, are the caterpillar and pupa likely to be still alive or are they more likely to be dead specimens still in the "nest" that failed to mature? Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

Gypsy Moth
The "caterpillar" is the discarded skin from when the actual caterpillar molted to form the pupa, which then hatched into the white moth you see. The white moth is a female gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), the notorious introduced species. The two brown moths are males of the same species. L. dispar is a sexually dimorphic species, meaning males and females look very different. The males were attracted to the female's pheromone and likely both arrived around the same time to try and mate with her. Interesting picture.

 
thanks
Hi Ryan;
Thanks, a very helpful reply, and quick too. With your info the picture starts to make a lot more sense. Much appreciated

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