The Crimson Patch (Chlosyne janais), Caterpillar

Crimson patch butterflies are frequently observed this season of this year at the CB. In previous years we have had one or two beat up individuals show up late, around summer’s end in October. Apparently, they are now breeding here as evidenced by this crimson patch caterpillar. Oddly, this caterpillar is on, and was observed eating, Ruellia drummondiana. That’s good. We have plenty.

Course the Ruellia grows right next to the Anisacanthus, the normal larval food plant, so maybe this one is just mixed up. Yes. Ruellia and Anisacanthus are both in the Acanthaceae.