Variable Oakleaf Caterpillar
This Variable Oakleaf Moth Caterpillar (Lochmaeus manteo) was unearthed during the building of a hiking trail in mid December at Distant Hill Gardens in Walpole, NH.
The tiny spotted larvae of the variable oakleaf caterpillar at first feed gregariously on the lower leaf surface near the expended egg shells. They usually skeletonize portions of one to three leaves in a cluster. The presence and frequency of these clusters of tissue-paper thin skeletonized leaves on beech in early August is an early indicator of the degree of defoliation which can be expected. As the larvae grow, they change their color pattern several times and may exhibit many individual variations. They also separate after the first molt and begin to feed singly. From this point on they cease to skeletonize and consume entire portions of the leaf. They pass through five instars prior to dropping to the soil to pupate. At maturity the color is generally green but a fairly high percentage of individuals may be deep pink or reddish. Mature larvae are roughly 1.5" long with a distinctive dorsal band which is often dark red in color. The head is most often green with two darker vertical lines which are usually black, edged with creamy white. There is also a definite yellowish lateral line along each side of the larva at or below the spiracles (breathing pores) which separates this species from other prominents (Heterocampa).
Mature larvae drop to the soil when done feeding, usually in late August or September. They burrow into the soil beneath the leaf litter and form a loose silk lined cell. Here they become inactive larvae (pre-pupae) and remain in this state throughout the winter.
Variable Oakleaf Caterpillar
This Variable Oakleaf Moth Caterpillar (Lochmaeus manteo) was unearthed during the building of a hiking trail in mid December at Distant Hill Gardens in Walpole, NH.
The tiny spotted larvae of the variable oakleaf caterpillar at first feed gregariously on the lower leaf surface near the expended egg shells. They usually skeletonize portions of one to three leaves in a cluster. The presence and frequency of these clusters of tissue-paper thin skeletonized leaves on beech in early August is an early indicator of the degree of defoliation which can be expected. As the larvae grow, they change their color pattern several times and may exhibit many individual variations. They also separate after the first molt and begin to feed singly. From this point on they cease to skeletonize and consume entire portions of the leaf. They pass through five instars prior to dropping to the soil to pupate. At maturity the color is generally green but a fairly high percentage of individuals may be deep pink or reddish. Mature larvae are roughly 1.5" long with a distinctive dorsal band which is often dark red in color. The head is most often green with two darker vertical lines which are usually black, edged with creamy white. There is also a definite yellowish lateral line along each side of the larva at or below the spiracles (breathing pores) which separates this species from other prominents (Heterocampa).
Mature larvae drop to the soil when done feeding, usually in late August or September. They burrow into the soil beneath the leaf litter and form a loose silk lined cell. Here they become inactive larvae (pre-pupae) and remain in this state throughout the winter.