Leafroller??

Ottawa, KS(Zone 6a)

These little puppies are kinda cute, and have only taken to weeds I have let grow around the garden. So, thus far they are only eating this particular plant variety.
Flapdoodle, I would love your input.

Thumbnail by AceBug Thumbnail by AceBug
Minot, ND

Do you know the identity of the plant that it is feeding on? Knowing that might help narrow down choices...

Ottawa, KS(Zone 6a)

Quote from Flapdoodle :
Do you know the identity of the plant that it is feeding on? Knowing that might help narrow down choices...


Actually I don't, but I seem to have many of these particular weed in the garden. The insects have only been seen on these plants. I need to do a search about native plants in my area, but it is so daunting and can be hard to tell from photos. I can try to figure it out.

Minot, ND

Please see what you can do. Most leaf rollers here tend to be in the family Tortricidae, but your caterpillar reminds me of something in the family Noctuidae...

Ottawa, KS(Zone 6a)

Flapdoodle, I believe I have identified the plant- Prairie Tea (Croton monanthogynus) which is in the spurge family. The culprit from what I am seeing is Goatweed leafwing Anaea andria.
What do you think?

This message was edited Aug 13, 2018 4:44 PM

Minot, ND

Great detective work - i do believe that you've nailed it! See http://www.alabama.butterflyatlas.usf.edu/species/details/10/goatweed-leafwing

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
BACK TO TOP