Skip to main content
Close

Yellow Archduke Caterpillar

Lexias canescens caterpillar

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

3.44328, 101.828

Field Notes

Description:

Spotted on my regular trek into the jungle by a tropical mountain stream. The trail is home to all sorts of butterflies and moths - so it's not surprising to find caterpillars, tiny and large ones in the bushes. This was by far the biggest & weirdest I've seen. About 4-5 inches long, it's like a space alien mothership. It was not moving - so I was a little unsure if it is a caterpillar at all. Glad we have projectnoah and you guys to help ID 'em!

My research has led me to believe that this is an Archduke caterpillar as there are many sightings of Archdukes in the immediate area. And the similarity of the larvae - the 2 white lines running down the length is uncanny.

Habitat:

On leaves. The Yellow Archduke butterfly is relatively common in the nature reserves. Adults are typically sighted on shaded trails and among undergrowth, and are seldom seen in open sunny areas. It is mainly a forest dweller and adults are often seen puddling on damp ground, or feeding on rotting fruits and other organic matter amongst forest litter.

Notes:

Family: Nymphalidae, Subfamily: Limenitidinae

Species ID Suggestions

Yellow Archduke

Lexias canescens

Comments (43)

Great photos!! You seem to be finding all the great looking creatures :) thanks for sharing!
i think this is one of the coolest things i will see in my life. I only wish to see it in person
Haha... I have more insects & wildlife to be lD-ed, EarlyStages. Be glad to have you showing me the ropes! I'm like a little boy when it comes to stuff like these. Thanks!
I hope you never loose that wonderful enthusiasm, Kevin!
Hi EarlyStages, Thank you so much for putting the comparisons. Love it! Yes, I can see the different - and it's so obvious. Damn, I have a lot to learn. Thank you for pushing me. I love this community! Just saw more yellow archduke butterflies today in the trails. No caterpillars shots today. Thanks, again! Woohoo! This is so cool - like a bunch of nature detectives.
Thanks for carefully double-checking, Kevin. Yes, it is your choice what to label your photos, so to allow others to better judge the correct identification, here is a side-by-side comparison (based upon my experience rearing Lexias and related genera) . . . http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8608309497_1bafcabfdf_b.jpg Please feel free to contact me offline for email addresses of Malaysian lepidopterists who can assist you with future spottings of butterfly larvae; oh, and several useful links of hopeful interest: http://butterfly.nss.org.sg/Gallery/caterpillar.htm http://www.nss.org.sg/butterflies_list/photo_list.php?stages=Caterpillar http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist%20V2/CI/index.php/start-page/startpage/showcaterpillars Congratulations again, Kevin, on an excellent encounter!
Amazing detail and color! Congratulations on Spotting of the Day!
Awesome spotting, congratulations kevogecko!
Awesome capture kevogecko,congrats on the SOTD,and thanks for sharing
Thanks, everyone. Earlystages, please click on the reference link. The Adoliadini you suggest is same or close to the Archduke. In fact they share lots of similarities. Therefore, Archduke is the correct ID! Thank you for making me double check.
Kevin, congratulations on spotting what is undoubtedly the prettiest of the known Adolianina (http://tolweb.org/Adoliadini/70200) caterpillars. Sorry to put the kibosh on your IDs of Gaudy Baron and Archduke.
Well deserved congrats! Beautiful!
Super Congratulations on Spotting of the Day, Kevo and on all your interest in identifying your caterpillar. Well deserved!
CONGRATS on the SOTD!!! well deserved!! and super wow!!!
Well, thank you for your comments. They've helped me locate what caterpillar this is. Archduke is my final answer as these butterflies are a common sight in the area. Google "Archduke caterpillar" to more photos of 'em. Thank you! I love projectnoah.org!
Wow! Thanks, everyone! Still waiting for an ID for this guy. I shall call it "mothership".
Beautiful space alien mothership haha ;) Congrats on sotd!
Congratulations kevo, this stunning caterpillar is spotting of the day! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152686331650603&set=a.10152383557885603.943728.10150120463815603&type=1 https://twitter.com/projectnoah/status/317101373416169472
Thanks everyone. I was as mesmerized when I spotted it. I am glad to hav eit on camera.
Yeah, Lauren, I think it is the same one. I've seen the same butterflies at the river banks. Cool. Thank you!
http://winged-jewels.blogspot.mx/2013/01/life-cycle-of-gaudy-baron-euthalia.html This has a life cycle of one similar to yours.
It must be one of these weird Nymphalid "Barons" like this one http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/17244467/fullscreen. One of our super butterfly experts will give you a name soon.
Lauren, do you happen to know what kind? Am super curious cos it looks so different.

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

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