Cleome caterpillar with yellow tummy

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DebinSC Georgetown, SC(Zone 8a) Aug 22, 2010

This little caterpillar or worm, about an inch long, is eating my Cleome as fast as it can.
I'd love to know what it is. Anyone have an idea?
This is the best photo I've been able to manage so far.
Thanks for looking!
Deb

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Post #8054860
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DonnaB Vancleave, MS(Zone 8b) Aug 22, 2010

I found this
"Cleome serrulata is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Checkered White"

and this

"Positive lepfarmer On Feb 2, 2009, lepfarmer from Red Oak, TX wrote:

Clammyweed is also an excellent nectar plant for various species of butterflies, as well as being a host plant for the Great Southern White (Ascia monuste). It reseeds easily, but if you want to harvest seed to share with others wait until the pod has dried and begun to crack open."

Post #8056383
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DebinSC Georgetown, SC(Zone 8a) Aug 23, 2010

Thanks, Donna. I didn't think to search for what likes Cleome as a host plant.
I checked on larvae of Checkered and Great Southern White and so far haven't found a matching photo, but I'll continue to search the "host plant" direction.
Many thanks!

Post #8056952
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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Aug 23, 2010

This caterpillar does resemble some in the family Pieridae that includes the sulfurs and whites, but it does not look like any of the common species in your area. There are caterpillars in other families in the superfamily Noctuoidea that also can have a similar appearance.

Post #8056989
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DebinSC Georgetown, SC(Zone 8a) Aug 23, 2010

Thanks, Suunto. I've so far gone cross-eyed searching Noctuidae larva photos on Bugguide.net. :) I will also look at Peiridae specifically. Perhaps this plant came from a nursery in another state - although I've had it since spring - ya never know.

Post #8057040
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