Mullein Moth Caterpillar
Shargacucullia verbasci (larva)
This bold black, yellow, and white larva lives on open ground, gardens, waste places, and chalky habitats where mullein, figwort, and related plants grow. It feeds openly on leaves and flowers, relying on warning colors and distasteful body chemicals rather than hiding. When disturbed, it may curl, rear, or display its bright pattern to discourage a bite. A notable fact is that its conspicuous colors advertise that it has absorbed defensive compounds from its food plants.
- Type
- Venom
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- Mullein Moth Caterpillar
- ?
- Mullein Moth