“Can you help me identify what type of caterpillar this is?” asks Suzanne in her submission regarding the caterpillar pictured below. “I live in Fredericksburg, Virginia. And it was resting in a cottonwood tree. It measured about five inches long. Thank you!” Firstly, we have to compliment Suzanne on the gorgeous photo. The lighting, colors and detail are just incredible, and are very helpful to us in identifying this creature. Suzanne is absolutely right in identifying this as a caterpillar. Specifically, it is an ilia underwing moth caterpillar. Underwing moths are a genus of moth that is characterized by their colorful under wings which contrast the otherwise neutral or bland colors on their top wings.

When an underwing moth’s wings are not extended for flight, their neutral-colored, patterned top wings help them blend in with their surroundings, whether that is on a tree or a rock. Similarly, underwing moth caterpillars are exceptional at blending in with their surroundings, as we can see in the photo Suzanne sent us. The color of an ilia underwing moth caterpillar depends on the types of trees in the environment in which it grows up. If the threes are gray or brown like the one in Suzanne’s photo, then that is the color the caterpillar will adopt. However, there are species of ilia underwing moth caterpillars which take on a mint green color to match the lichen-covered trees in the forests they grow up in. Likewise, their bodies are shaped in the way that they are to mimic the knobs on a tree branch, which is just evolution at its best.

Typically, ilia underwing moth caterpillars feed on the leaves of oak trees, though — generally speaking — underwing caterpillars are also known to feed on poplar trees (cottonwood trees being an example of a poplar tree), so it makes sense for Suzanne to have found this caterpillar in this spot. Like many species of caterpillars, ilia underwing moth caterpillars can become pests if their populations grow to concerning numbers: they can defoliate trees and thereby stunt their growth and negatively affect their health. As far as we know, Suzanne only found the one caterpillar, so this is likely something she will not need to worry about. She also did not specify if the tree was hers to worry about in the first place. Lastly, we just want to note that no species of underwing caterpillar is venomous, so Suzanne does not need to worry about that if she were to handle the caterpillar, though if she does, we suggest being gentle!

In conclusion, Suzanne found an ilia underwing moth caterpillar on this cottonwood tree. They are excellent at camouflaging with their surroundings, and are harmless to humans and pets. We hope this proves insightful, and we wish Suzanne the very best!

Summary

Article Name

Branch-like Caterpillar in Cottonwood is an Ilia Underwing Moth Caterpillar

Description

"Can you help me identify what type of caterpillar this is?" asks Suzanne in her submission regarding the caterpillar pictured below. "I live in Fredericksburg, Virginia. And it was resting in a cottonwood tree. It measured about five inches long. Thank you!" Firstly, we have to compliment Suzanne on the gorgeous photo. The lighting, colors and detail are just incredible, and are very helpful to us in identifying this creature. Suzanne is absolutely right in identifying this as a caterpillar. Specifically, it is an ilia underwing moth caterpillar. Underwing moths are a genus of moth that is characterized by their colorful under wings which contrast the otherwise neutral or bland colors on their top wings.

Author

Worm Researcher Anton