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Schaus' Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Halysidota schausi

Photo by Brian38
Published on Project Noah
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26.1789, -98.3655

Field Notes

Description:

This was interesting ----- I found this tussock moth caterpillar feeding on another one or what was left of the other one. According to Wikipedia, the larvae feed on Cestrum nocturnum (night-blooming jessamine). I wonder if there was the essence of the plant in the caterpillar it was feeding on? Here is a video: https://youtu.be/3Hs0FsAnMyI

Habitat:

Spotted on a tree along a trail through a wooded area at the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas.

Reference Links:

Schaus' Tussock Moth Caterpillar - Halysidota schausi - BugGuide.Net

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (18)
Brian38
Thanks again, everyone. This was certainly one of those special encounters that was fascinating, to say the least.
AntónioGinjaGinja
Awesome find Brian,congrats on the well deserved SOTW and thanks for sharing
Brian38
Thanks for the kind comments everyone!
Tukup
Missed this the first time Brian. Great find. Congratulations on the SOTW.
Jae
Congrats, Brian! Well deserved
Neil Ross
Congratulations, Brian. This is a wonderful SOTW, and such a cool caterpillar. I love that Monday morning look!
Brian38
Thank you MichaelS and PN. It's always an honor.
Michael
Hi Brian38, Congratulations, your spotting has been voted Spotting of the Week! The Project Noah community looks forward to seeing your next nature discovery! https://www.facebook.com/projectnoah/photos/a.10150595289465603/10164865187625603/ https://twitter.com/projectnoah/status/1357851268061016066
Brian38
I added a video showing this strange behavior.
Brian38
Thank you Machi and PN for the nomination. Thank you, Machi for the information as well.
Machi
Also, as a side note, I do know some caterpillar species are known to eat their own exuvia after shedding it. I don't know if that is what is happening here, but it is something to look into.
Machi
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Caterpillars and larvae of the World
Mission
Biodiversity of Texas
Mission
Butterflies & Moths of Texas
Mission
The Bug Chicks Sofa Safari

Tags

Photographed
PublishedDecember 4, 2020

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