Bug ID Needed

Images of undisturbed subjects in their natural environment. All subject types.

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Marcepstein
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Bug ID Needed

Post by Marcepstein »

A few years ago, I took a picture of a bug that was munching on a wax myrtle leaf (M. cerifera). I dont believe Ive every seen one like it and wondered if anyone could ID it. I was able to get a 7 handheld stack on one shot (1st image) but the remaining were snapshots as the bug started moving away. Pictures were taken with Canon ef 180mm macro and 1DM4.

Thanks
bug-3--2023-01-27.jpg
bug-2---1469-71.jpg
bugs-back--_1466.jpg

rjlittlefield
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Re: Bug ID Needed

Post by rjlittlefield »

I'm thinking maybe some kind of slug caterpillar, similar but not identical to https://bugguide.net/node/view/958895/bgimage .

I assume the pattern is some sort of mimicry. It reminds me of some swallowtail caterpillars that are thought to mimic bird droppings.

--Rik

Marcepstein
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Re: Bug ID Needed

Post by Marcepstein »

I have red-spotted purple images of larva and adults. I'll pull them out and post but it's not that one. I googled "bugs that mimic bird poop" and was amazed at the diversity. Didnt see it. But it does resemble that mimic.

It is similar to the slug moth larva, genus Tortricidia.

Ksparrow
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Re: Bug ID Needed

Post by Ksparrow »

I would guess skiff moth-Prolimacodes badia.

Marcepstein
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Re: Bug ID Needed

Post by Marcepstein »

That does look pretty close and the article mention a wide variation in color ..https://www.natureblog.org/two-late-larvae/

MarkSturtevant
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Re: Bug ID Needed

Post by MarkSturtevant »

I'd say the skiff moth larva is most likely. Odd little thing!
Mark Sturtevant
Dept. of Still Waters

Ramos Kenneth D
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Re: Bug ID Needed

Post by Ramos Kenneth D »

MarkSturtevant wrote:
Tue Jan 31, 2023 4:23 pm
I'd say the skiff moth larva is most likely. Odd little thing!
I came across one of these things some years back and I had no idea of what it was either other than a pupa of sorts. Your ID appears to be correct. Thank you! :D

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