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Lepidoptera (butterflies, moths)

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The family name Megalopygidae is derived from the Greek roots Megalo (large) and pygidium (rump), probably because of the shape of the caterpillars. The name "puss caterpillar" is likely in reference to the caterpillar's resemblance to a cat with its soft fur and tail.

Publications

Erythrina Leafminer (suggested common name), Leucoptera erythrinella Busck, 1900 (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae)

Andrei Sourakov

Cypress Looper Anacamptodes pergracilis (Hulst) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Wayne N. Dixon
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Snowbush spanworm (larva), white-tipped black (adult), Melanchroia chephise (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera; Geometridae: Melanchroia)

Kaydie McCormick and Adam Dale

Melanchroia chephise, commonly known as the snowbush spanworm or white-tipped black, is an occasional insect pest of snowbush shrubs and several other ornamental plant species. Found throughout the southern United States, these gregarious moth caterpillars can commonly be found defoliating their chosen hosts soon after they emerge en masse. The colorful appearance of the caterpillars may be alarming, but they pose little risk to people, and usually offer no lasting harm to the plants they feed on. The adult moths, with their black and white wings, can be an attractive addition to a pollinator garden. This publication describes how to identify this insect and provides in-depth information on its biology, development, and management.

Bagworm, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis Haworth (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Psychidae)

Brooke L. Moffis, Steven P. Arthurs, andSteven P. Arthurs
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Bumelia Webworm Urodus parvula (Edwards 1881) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Urodidae)

Donald W. Hall
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Pasteuria penetrans (Bacilli: Bacillales: Pasteuriaceae)

Peter DiGennaro
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.