Toadflax Brocade Moth larva (Calophasia lunula)
Erie Co., NY
The Toadflax Brocade Moth (Calophasia lunula) is native to Europe but was intentionally introduced to North America in the 1960s in attempt to control yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) and dalmatian toadflax (Linaria genistifolia ssp. dalmatica) in places where these exotic plants are considered noxious weeds.
I saw this caterpillar on a wooden post and watched for over an hour as it built a cocoon by chewing up pieces of wood and placing the chewed wood around itself until it was completely enclosed.
Toadflax Brocade Moth larva (Calophasia lunula)
Erie Co., NY
The Toadflax Brocade Moth (Calophasia lunula) is native to Europe but was intentionally introduced to North America in the 1960s in attempt to control yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) and dalmatian toadflax (Linaria genistifolia ssp. dalmatica) in places where these exotic plants are considered noxious weeds.
I saw this caterpillar on a wooden post and watched for over an hour as it built a cocoon by chewing up pieces of wood and placing the chewed wood around itself until it was completely enclosed.