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Project Noah Nature School
Cucullia asteroids
Family: Noctuidae, Subfamily: Cuculliinae. (Hooded Owlets) Larva of Goldenrod Hooded Owlet Moth. Length: 2 inches long (51 mm). Variety of colors including green/yellow/black stripes, purple/red, yellow and black stripes, yellow with thick black stripes, green and yellow with thick black stripes, yellow with thin black stripes. Feeding on white asters.(5 different caterpillars)
Small meadow that used to be yard two years ago with abundant clovers, reeds, asters and goldenrod.
It has been an amazing year for Asteroid caterpillars finding 14 in all. I found these all at the same time on two white aster plants next to each other. I am amazed at the variety of colors. I brought them home and took some night flash photos of them actively feeding. (Researching this caterpillar brought me to Project Noah 2 years ago.)
Spotted on Oct 6, 2013
Submitted on Nov 13, 2013
3 Comments
Thanks so much Luis. And thanks Ingrid for your encouragement. I can't wait until next summer!
Hooray for eschewing the "traditional" yard! giving homes to these guys is so worth it! Why would anyone want a monoculture on their property when they can have all of these BEAUTIES! Spread the good word!
Great series Carol!