Citheronia regalis

The initial instar after two days of feeding. The larvae were separated into three groups in order to test host plant affinity. This larva is from the group that selected American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) over Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa). The second group expressed a slight preference for American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) over Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica). The final group rejected a variety of plants before eventually feeding on both Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and Common Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) equally with the latter being the sole plant provided to this group from the third instar on.