Caterpillars of Eastern Forests

Lappet Moth (Phyllodesma americana)

Handsome caterpillar with blue, black, white, and orange dorsum and fleshy, densely hairy lobes (lappets) along sides of body. Dorsum of eighth abdominal segment with unpaired hump. When alarmed, exposes bright orange band across dorsum of second and third thoracic segments. Rests on branches and trunks by day. Food: numerous broadleaf trees and shrubs. Caterpillar: June to August; 1 generation.

Previous Section -- Forest Tent Caterpillar
Return to Listing of Tent Caterpillars
Next Section -- Velleda Lappet Moth