#eupithecia

Can you tell me who this is? Found in north MN in the boundary waters

Thank you!

Caterpillar ID - North MN, USA:

Hello, yes, this is a widespread moth whose caterpillars live and feed on a variety of flowers, especially asters/sunflowers/compostites.

Common Eupithecia Moth (Eupithecia miserulata), family Geometridae

Eupithecia miserulata - Wikipedia

Carnivorous caterpillars and adult pug moth in the genus Eupithecia, Geometridae

Certain geometer caterpillars in the genus Eupithecia on the Hawaiian islands have adapted to become predators that feed on other insects. There are over 1000 species in the Eupithecia genus worldwide, all of which reportedly feed on plant material except at least 6 of the species on the Hawaiian islands. Scientists believe they evolved to fill the open niche of predatory insects on the islands rather than competing with other caterpillars for host plants to feed on.

The caterpillars hang from the edges of foliage, mimicking twigs or leaves, and wait for prey to get near their sensitive prolegs. They then quickly snap their body backward to snatch their prey with their elongated, spiny legs.

1-2. Eupithecia orichloris by Darlyne A. Murawski 3-4. Eupithecia staurophragma by robertpeck 5-8. Eupithecia sp. with termite by Steven L. Montgomery 9. Eupithecia orichloris by Forest & Kim Starr

Watch them catching prey here:

Eupithecia centaureata

Eupithecia abietaria

Em vez de mastigar folhas como a maioria das lagartas normais, a espécie Eupithecia, encontrada no arquipélago do Havaí, tem uma dieta mais agressiva, preferindo comer outros bichos. No cardápio estão moscas, baratas e até outras lagartas. Certamente esse é um bicho que não tem uma hortinha em casa.