Skip to main content

Azalea Caterpillar

Datana major

Photo by tomk3886
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

30.5187, -84.11

Field Notes

Description:

Caterpillar with red head, white hairs, black and yellow stripes.

Habitat:

Feeding on a blueberry bush.

Notes:

What is the green ball in its mouth.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)
Ornithoptera80
The green liquid seems to be vomited leaves by the caterpillar. It is a defense against animals that want to eat it.
tomk3886
Not likely pesticides are involved in this case. I've lived here for 48 years and have known most of my neighbors for many years. Pesticide use is not common here especially any sprays. People do treat the soil around their homes for termites and fire ants. A moth or caterpillar would be unlikely to come into contact with these pesticides.
Leuba Ridgway
Not sure if this is the case in your caterpillar but the green fluid, in some, is said to be toxic matter that the caterpillars spit out. e.g, insecticides sprayed on plants, etc.
Ingrid3
acrobatic and cool looking!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Caterpillars and larvae of the World
Mission
Caterpillars of the Southeastern USA
Mission
FLaGA-Bama Neighborhood Nature Watch

Tags

Photographed
PublishedAugust 15, 2020

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies