Indian Weed Caterpillar
Common NameIndian Weed Caterpillar
Scientific NameEuclidia cuspidea
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, yellow, black, red
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, clearings
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, southern Canada
Host Plantsclover, vetch, alfalfa, trefoil
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are semi-loopers that feed on various legumes. The species typically overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled forewings combined with the unique hindwing pattern of a pale yellow ground color, a prominent blackish triangular patch, and a reddish-orange border. It is often active during the day.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings and distinctive pale yellow hindwings featuring a large, triangular blackish patch and a reddish-orange fringe.
