Apodemia mormo autumnalis

Photo Life History: Apodemia mormo autumnalis; Nicky Davis

Habitat:  Desert Hills & Mountains;

Host Plants:  Eriogonum inflatum

Suitable Lab Host Plants: Eriogonum racemosum

Caring for Live Female Butterflies: 

Methods of Female Oviposition:  Open Screen Cages

How to Find Eggs:

How to Hatch Eggs: 

How to Find Caterpillars in the Field: Metalmark or Blue Caterpillars Burrow into Host Plant.  If you're in an area where Apodemia mormo caterpillars are feeding on Eriogonum inflatum, during the months of August and September, look for holes in the "inflated" part of the stem of Eriogonum inflatum.  Last instar caterpillars rest inside the plant and will also pupate there.  Caterpillars will migrate from nests to nests and are still subject to predation.

Caterpillar setups:  Open terrariums;

Larva to Pupa:  

How to Find Pupae in the Field: Look for holes in the "inflated" part of the stem of Eriogonum inflatum.

Number of Broods per Year:  1-2;

Overwintering Stage: Ovum

Overwintering Strategies: 

Post-Hibernation Strategies:

Avoiding Diapause Techniques:  

Disease Prevention: 

Emergence:  Emergence Container

Field Notes:  I've had pretty good luck finding immatures along the Arizona Strip District, Virgin River Gorge, Bloomington Hills, and US Hwy 91 in the Beaver Dam Mountains.  A. mormo populations can be prevalent in association with Eriogonum inflatum.