CLOSED: what is this caterpillar?

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moonwood Keyser, WV May 25, 2009

Several of these guys are ravaging my Echinacea plants - they curl up when disturbed - is echinacea a host plant for a particular moth or butterfly? This is the first time I've seen them on the plants, thanks for any help!

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moonwood Keyser, WV May 25, 2009

The photo makes it look like he has white dots, that's just reflected light - the body is all black with orange/red stripes down the sides

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV May 26, 2009

This caterpillar appears to be in the family Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies), possibly a silvery checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) - see http://tinyurl.com/qryk5l for an image. This species is known to feed on Echinacea.

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moonwood Keyser, WV May 28, 2009

I think that's it - thanks!

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