The zebra caterpillar is the larva of an American

noctuid The Noctuidae, commonly known as owlet moths, cutworms or armyworms, are a family of moths. They are considered the most controversial family in the superfamily Noctuoidea because many of the clades are constantly changing, along with the other f ...

moth (''Melanchra picta'') that feeds on

cabbage Cabbage, comprising several cultivars of ''Brassica oleracea'', is a leafy green, red (purple), or white (pale green) biennial plant grown as an annual vegetable crop for its dense-leaved heads. It is descended from the wild cabbage ( ''B.&nb ...

s, beets and other cultivated plants. The head, thorax, and forewings of adults are chestnut- or reddish-brown, usually with purplish brown mottling on the wings. The whitish hind wings have pale brown margins. The abdomen is light gray. The wingspan is . The newly hatched larvae are whitish, marked by dark heads and several dark spots scattered over the body. The more mature caterpillars vary in color, often displaying bright and conspicuous hues, usually with prominent black and light yellow longitudinal stripes. The top stripe is black, the top-lateral stripe and the stripe below the spiracles are cream to bright yellow, and the spiracle stripe and bottom stripe are black and marked with numerous white lines and spots. The mid-dorsal line is pale and may be well developed or absent. The underside and legs are light red-brown or yellow. The head is reddish or reddish-brown and without dark arcs or reticulations. Larvae are long when mature. The larvae first feed in small compact groups until molting, after which they scatter throughout the foliage. They feed during the day. When disturbed on foliage, they roll up and fall to the ground. Zebra caterpillars thrive throughout the United States. Known as general feeders in the western states, they usually become pests in late summer. This caterpillar often exists in a mixed population with the bertha armyworm and the variegated cutworm.

References

External links

Zebra caterpillar.
Integrated Pest Management on Peppermint-IPMP3.0, Integrated Plant Protection Center, Oregon State University. Modified from Ralph E. Berry (1998), ''Insects and Mites of Economic Importance in the Northwest'', 2nd ed.
''Recognizing Economically Important Caterpillar Pests of Pacific Northwest Row Crops''.
A.L. Antonelli, P.J. Landolt, D.F. Mayer, H.W. Homan (2000). Washington State University, Extension Publishing and Printing. Page 13 (text), 15 (pdf file). {{Taxonbar, from=Q8068292 Ceramica (moth) Moths of North America Moths described in 1841