Caloptilia violacella which is very very close/similar to what I observed on November 8th 2011....Photo from Bugguide here. Copyright infringement is never intended.
Lepidoptera never ceases to amaze me. I don't remember telling you in detail (I might have but don't remember) about a rather warm Spring like day in November of last year that resulted in one last cabbage white (Pieris rapae) and a bunch of other assorted epic creepy crawlies?
See this was supposed to be up last year but I never got around to it because I was distracted by *Eh hemm* other things.........ɛïɜ
But anyway.....^^;; On with the show!
Observations/Information for ID:
Life Stage: Larva
Possible Speculations: Moth Larva, Sawfly Larva (which is now obviously ruled out)
Where Observed: Hanging from a silken thread from a crab apple tree (Malus spp.)
Color: Green. Bright happy grass green. Head was light brown/tan
Family: "Microlepidoptera" can't go any further then that. Suspected leafminers etc.
Size: Tiny. It could fit on a dime! It was so tiny that I couldn't get a picture of it with my camera (it doesn't do Micro.....must save up for lenses).
Observations: Was seen suspending itself from a thread of silk underneath a crab apple tree. Was heading downwards holding its body in a crescent shape with prolegs visible. Looked like a cog. Very beautiful, graceful.
Felt like Spring Crab apple might be host plant. Unsure of instar.....maybe 2nd?
Date Sighted: November 8th 2011
Anyone know of any Eastern Microlepidoptera that use crabapples as host plants and have tiny green larvae?
3 comments:
Why don't you try raising it in a tupperware? It could be the only way to be sure! That's what I do with all of my mystery larvae (unless, of course, I found it a distance from any possible plant source)
That's a good idea!! Should I find anymore this year I'll definitely try it.!
This cutiepie was hanging from a crabapple tree. Idk which species but I know where and find that tree easily again. Will be checking foliage.
Loved reaading this thanks
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