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Photo#60651
The Lappet Moth 5th Instar Larva - Phyllodesma americana

The Lappet Moth 5th Instar Larva - Phyllodesma americana
Hidden Corners Sanctuary, Town of Bailey's Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin, USA
July 1, 2004
Larva just before pupating (31 days old). The only way it will exhibit the red lines toward its head is when the head is turned down slightly. Laying horizontally flat, I could not see the red lines. Over-wintered in fruit cellar. Adult eclosed May 5, 2005.

Images of this individual: tag all
The Lappet Moth, Female - Phyllodesma americana - female The Lappet Moth 5th Instar Larva - Phyllodesma americana The Lappet Moth larva - Phyllodesma americana The Lappet Moth larva - Phyllodesma americana

Janice, would you recognize the
earlier instars? Can you check out ?

 
Blue-Bumped Caterpillar
I don't think this is an early instar Lappet. When I get a chance, I'll post the two earlier instars that I photographed. They aren't the greatest, but you will be able to tell that this caterpillar probably isn't a Lappet. Nothing in my data base matches it either. I found a caterpillar on page 476 of Caterpillars of Eastern Forests by Wagner that comes the closest, except for the cream-colored line down its back. I doubt that that's it, but the "Blue-bumped Caterpillar" may be from the Lasiocampidae family. Hey! I like that name. It will be interesting to discover its REAL name. In the meantime, I'll keep this mystery caterpillar in mind. Actually, I have a few "mystery caterpillars" myself.

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