Observation date: October 05, 2024
Submitted by: Misformoth
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: The caterpillar has whiter (as opposed to yellow) sides than I'd expect, but I can't find any other caterpillars native to the area that resemble it nearly as much as Cucullia convexipennis. This sighting would be pretty far south for the species. It was found consuming the seedhead of a camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris), a late-blooming member of the Composite family, the same family as asters and goldenrod. Perhaps it is a less-studied, closely related species or a southern variant that is not well documented.
Status: Resident
Verified by: jwileyrains
Verified date: July 05, 2025
Coordinator notes: The Camphorweed Owlet (the foodplant was a very helpful clue). It's resident in Georgia. You were on the right track with Cucullia. See MPG's caterpillar library for more information at https://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/larva.php?plate=7&page=5&sort=h
JRains
