Finding Caterpillars

Caterpillar Burrow Apodemia mormo autumnalis

Larvae of Apodemia mormo autumnalis burrow a hole and rest inside the inflated stem of Eriogonum inflatum. Finding larvae or pupae in the fall can be as easy as finding these holes and opening up the stem to check for larvae or pupae.

Caterpillar burrow Plebejus glandon rustica

Plebejus glandon rustica young instar larvae burrow into host plant Dodecatheon alpinum. Photo courtesy Nicky Davis.

Caterpillar burrow Everes amyntula

Young western tailed blue first instar caterpillars burrow a hole into host sweet pea (Lathyrus spp.) and feed there until they grow too large to feed on the same bud (usually around third instar; depending upon the size of the bud.)

Marine Blue Caterpillar Burrows hole in snow peas

Last instar Leptotes marina larva burrows a hole in lab host plant snow peas. Many lycaenid caterpillars will burrow recognizable holes into flowers and fruits of their host plants.

Leptotes marina Caterpillar Burrows hole in snow peas

Last instar Leptotes marina larva burrows a hole in lab host plant snow peas. Many lycaenid caterpillars will burrow recognizable holes into flowers and fruits of their host plants.

Caterpillar burrow Spring Azure on Buckwheat

Many lycaenid caterpillars will burrow holes into the flowers or inflorescens from which they feed. Note the small hole in the flower as caused by this fourth instar Celastrina ladon echo caterpillar. Other smaller lycaenid caterpillars will burrow right into the inflorescens of some plants.