Xanthotype urticaria

Xanthotype urticaria larva found on Rubus setosus in a restored fen (peatland). Xanthotype sospeta larvae are reported to feed on Raspberry (Rubus strigosus) a relative of R. setosus and which also grows in this fen but both species are generalist feeders on woody shrubs. May have actually been feeding on nearby Tamarack (Larix laricina). Length is about 31 mm.

comments (12)

Christine Young

Lion

Xanthotype looks right to me... Posted 6 years ago
1. Gary B
  
  Lion
  
  As to which species of Xanthotype...
  
  It could be Xanthotype urticaria or Xanthotype sospeta although the former has more reports from northern MN. Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Did it have a spiracular stripe? Do you know if Xanthotype urticaria is a generalist feeder as Xanthotype sospeta is?
    
    Xanthotype sospeta: squarish head, grows up to 45 mm, generalist, white spiracular stripe, small dark spots A2-A5.
    
    Xanthotype urticaria: squarish head, size?, hosts?, other features?
    
    So, sorry, but I have no idea, lol. I don't really know much about Xanthotype urticaria. What are you leaning towards? I feel like it could be Xanthotype urticaria, but don't have any reasons to back it up ;P Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Gary B
      
      Lion
      
      My leanings are towards Xanthotype urticaria on this one based on range maps at MPG. BAMONA shows 3 occurences for MN but there is some question as to whether Xanthotype urticaria and Xanthotype sospeta are really the same species (see https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/sighting_details/918586 ). Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Based on that data, I agree...
        
        This link is interesting as well regarding the two species:
        https://www.prairiehaven.com/?page_id=8183 Posted 6 years ago
      2. Gary B
        
        Lion
        
        Looking at the side view of the larva it does not resemble what I saw. The white band on Prairie Haven's caterpillar is huge. No white band or even a hint on the one I saw. Posted 6 years ago
    3. Gary B
      
      Lion
      
      On the one photo I have of this larva seen from the side (and a bit blurry) I do not see any white spiracular stripes. There are a few dark spots but these are on every segment. The caterpillar was on a Rubus plant and may have been feeding on it. Posted 6 years ago
    4. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        So, then the lack of a spiracular stripe should help rule out Xanthotype sospeta, right? Posted 6 years ago
      2. Gary B
        
        Lion
        
        I would say that this and the range map tend to rule out Xanthotype sospeta. It appears both species are generalist feeders on woody shrubs. Posted 6 years ago
        
        Gary B
        
        Lion
        
        Going to say this caterpillar is Xanthotype urticaria. Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
        
        Gary B
        
        Lion
        
        Thanks so much for your help on this one. Posted 6 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Good call, and you're welcome :). I love a good challenge! Posted 6 years ago