#stinging rose

[calosoma-amitch]

Stinging Rose Caterpillar (Parasa indetermina), Fishers Island NY. August 2016.

As the name implies, the stinging rose caterpillar sports beautiful red and orange, tentacle-like appendages that mature into yellow, giving it a look more akin to a sea slug than a caterpillar. Each other these appendages bear stinging barbs that pack a powerful punch for a small insect, and enough of a sting to deter birds from trying to make it a meal a second time. 

These caterpillars can be found on many different trees and shrubs, including apple, cherry, maple, oak, poplar, rose, and willow. This caterpillar was collected from a black cherry (Prunus serotina) tree, and I have also collected them from arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum). 

Up to two generations in the eastern US, with mature caterpillars by late June, and again in September. Caterpillars overwinter as pupae. 

[calosoma-amitch]

August is a good time to look for caterpillars in the Mid-Atlantic, mostly because many of our species are maturing to their final molts (instars), and thus are easier to spot on leaves. One of my favorite groups of caterpillars are the slug moths (Family Limacodidae), and they are perhaps one of the more bizarre groups of caterpillars you may ever see in the US.  As their name implies, most members of this family look more like slugs, with their heads pointed downward and hidden from view, their legs are hidden, and their prolegs (leg-like appendages appearing on the abdomen of larvae) are reduced significantly (small spines almost invisible to the eye). Many sport large spines or structures that appear alien, and some are poisonous or stinging if touched. And many are quite common on plants in your yards, parks, or fields, if you know where to look.  I’ll be keeping an eye out for these guys, and hopefully will have new pictures to show of specimens in the future.  Pictures above:  Stinging rose caterpillar (red morph, Parasa indetermina) Hag moth (Phobetron pithecium)  Saddleback caterpillar (recent molt, Acharia stimulea) Skiff moth  (Prolimacodes badia)

All species were found on Fishers Island NY, August 2015. 

[libutron]

Stinging rose (caterpillar and moth)

Parasa indetermina (Lepidoptera - Limacodidae) is a species of moth native to North America, distributed from New York to Florida, west to Missouri and Texas. It is commonly known as Stinging rose.

Caterpillars of Parasa indeterminate (top photo) are colorful in yellow or orange, depending on the stage. The body bears pairs of long, horn-like, bristly spines and clumps of smaller spines. A useful identifying characteristic is the broad purplish band down the midline of the back. Within the band are narrow whitish longitudinal lines, which may be interrupted by constrictions in the band. Reddish, white, and purple lines occur along the sides.

Adult moths (bottom photo) are brown in color, with a large green patch covering much of the forewings and thorax. They typically measures 20-25 mm in wingspan. The ventral ground color is typically tan or light brown.

Parasa indeterminate is considered uncommon to rare and local throughout its range. Usually this moth is found in close association with one of its primary larval food plants, woody Rosaceae, Myricaceae and oaks.

References: [1] - [2] - [3] - [4]

Photo credits: [Top: ©Colin Hutton] - [Bottom: ©Marvin Smith]