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Stout Spanworm Moth

Lycia ursaria

Photo by LuckyLogan
Published on Project Noah
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42.6417, -96.3264

Field Notes

Description:

Caterpillar about 1 1/4 long. Purplish coloration with yellow bands and darker stripes.

Habitat:

Forest, on stinging nettles.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (10)
LaurenZarate
What a striking color for a caterpillar! Great find.
LuckyLogan
Thanks ingrid and Jason. I was really surprised find such a colorful caterpillar almost out of nowhere
LuckyLogan
Thanks Dan and Sckel! I think I found the ID. Lycia ursaria looks very similar. This one seems more purple though...
Sckel
omg. it's beautiful
Dan Doucette
Wow! Don't think I've ever seen a purple caterpillar.
Stephanie R.
I will definitely take a closer look at the stinging nettles. Normally I try to stay away from them:)
LuckyLogan
Thanks Stephanie! Yea, last winter flipping through some of my moth and butterfly guilds I realized that nettles are host plant to tons of different species. Found this Linden Looper Moth Cat on nettles too. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/385046063
Stephanie R.
Beautiful photos Logan! I will be checking out the stinging nettles in my area!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Caterpillars and larvae of the World
Mission
Iowan Biodiversity
Mission
National Geographic's Great Nature Project
Photographed
PublishedJune 14, 2014

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