Stinging Rose Caterpillar Moth (Parasa indetermina)

Common Name: Stinging Rose Caterpillar Moth

Scientific Name: Parasa indetermina

Hodges: #4699

Family: Limacodidae (Slug Caterpillar Moths)

Range: Eastern United States (New York to Florida, west to Missouri and Texas).

Caterpillar host species: Apple, dogwood, hickory, maples, oaks, poplars, and rose bushes.

Slug Caterpillars (from Auburn University ): Slug caterpillars bear little resemblance to the typical caterpillar. The head is hidden within the thorax; thoracic legs are reduced; and prolegs are modified to sucker-like lobes without crochets. Movement is slow, gliding, slug-like.

Similar Species: Smaller Parasa (Parasa chloris) Besides being a little larger, the forewing of P. indetermina is more rounded and has a dark patch midway in the brown terminal band.

Caterpillars: A Stinging Rose Caterpillar is one of the more gaudy examples of Aposematic coloration ((from apo- away, and sematic sign/meaning). It sends a clear signal that it should not be eaten -- or even handled, since the caterpillar's body is covered with stinging spines. The University of Arkansas has a great photo of the caterpillar and drawing of the spines.

.

Clymene Moth (Haploa clymene)

(Photo: 06/21/09 by Marvin)

Clymene Moth (Haploa clymene)

Hodges: #8107

Identification: Easy ... bold cross pattern is distinctive.

Range: Maine and Quebec to Florida, west to Kansas and Texas.

Habitat: Deciduous forests and adjacent fields, etc.

Caterpillar hosts: Eupatorium species, oaks, peach, and willow trees; other plants.

Sources:

BugGuide Species Page
Butterflies and Moths of North America

.

Pencilflower (Stylosanthes biflora)

(Photos: 6/14/09 by Marvin)

Pencilflower (Stylosanthes biflora)

Other common name: Sidebeak Pencilflower

Status: Native perennial herb.

Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Range: Most of the eastern United States.

Habitat: Rocky open woods, glades, prairies, usually on acid substrates.

Flowering: May - September.

Comments: The "pencil" and "stylos" (stylus) in the vernacular and scientific names both refer to the hollow receptacle that surrounds the pistil.

Although this wildflower is fairly common in the easter U. S., it is often overlooked because the plant is low-growing and the flowers are tiny.

Sources and additional information/images:
Kansas Wildflowers & Grasses
Missouri Plants
USDA Plant Profile and Distribution Map
2bn Thye Wild
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

.