CLOSED: what is that?????

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
onewish1 Denville, NJ(Zone 6b) Jul 05, 2012

what is that?????

Thumbnail by onewish1 Thumbnail by onewish1
Post #9193771
Quote
kwanjin (Zone 7a) Jul 05, 2012

It looks like one of the Bird Poop Cats. Not sure which one, I don't know them well enough to even guess.

Post #9193848
Quote
kwanjin (Zone 7a) Jul 05, 2012

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=bird+poop+caterpillar&FORM=HDRSC2

Post #9193850
Quote
onewish1 Denville, NJ(Zone 6b) Jul 05, 2012

friend or foe???

Post #9193873
Quote
kwanjin (Zone 7a) Jul 05, 2012

Not sure. If you find yours, you can do some research and see.

Post #9193899
Quote
onewish1 Denville, NJ(Zone 6b) Jul 05, 2012

thanks.. will keep looking.. so far nothing that looks like that

Post #9193912
Quote
Flapdoodle Minot, ND Jul 05, 2012

It's a larva of a leaf beetle - those of many called tortoise beetles make a 'shield' of fecal pellets as protection against predation. See http://beetlesinthebush.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/img_7997_enh_1080x720.jpg for a 'group photo.'

Post #9194174
Quote
onewish1 Denville, NJ(Zone 6b) Jul 05, 2012

thank you!

Post #9194184
Quote
themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Jul 05, 2012

I thought it looked kinda grubby for a caterpillar....the larva itself....I figured it was just one I had never seen before.

Post #9194513
Quote
kwanjin (Zone 7a) Jul 05, 2012

Do they actually cover themselves with that stuff?

Post #9194870
Quote
Flapdoodle Minot, ND Jul 06, 2012

They sure do - They have specialized hairs on their bodies to help hold the shield in place.

Post #9194936
Quote
onewish1 Denville, NJ(Zone 6b) Jul 06, 2012

Ick

Post #9194971
Quote
kwanjin (Zone 7a) Jul 06, 2012

Yes, ick but kind of neat, too. And innovative.

Post #9195270
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Insect and Spider Identification Threads

Go to all Insect and Spider Identification threads
BACK TO TOP