There are a number of different types of caterpillars that can have colorations of green, yellow and black. Caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies and moths before they form their chrysalis and undergo metamorphosis into their adult winged form. The specific colors and patterns on a caterpillar’s body are unique to each species and can help identify what type of adult butterfly or moth it will become. In this article, we will explore some of the most common green, yellow and black caterpillars and how to identify them.
Swallowtail Butterfly Caterpillars
One of the most well-known groups of caterpillars with green, yellow and black coloration are those of various Swallowtail butterfly species. There are over 550 species of Swallowtail butterflies found all over the world, except Antarctica. While the adult butterflies are brightly colored in shades of yellow, orange, black and sometimes blue, the caterpillars share a common green, yellow and black striped appearance.
Some examples of common Swallowtail caterpillars in North America include:
– Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) – Green with black bands and yellow dots down its back and sides. It has a forked orange “scent gland” behind its head which emits a bad smell when threatened. The chrysalis is jade green and black.
– Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) – Velvety black with orange spots and a broad yellow band in the middle. It has an orange forked gland like the Black Swallowtail. The chrysalis is emerald green.
– Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) – Green with two black, yellow and blue eyespots on its thorax. The chrysalis is brown and resembles a bird dropping.
– Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) – Dark green with a black stripe outlined in orange with blue spots running down its back. The chrysalis is green with black stripes.
Monarch Butterfly Caterpillars
One of the most iconic and easily recognized caterpillars in North America is that of the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). The Monarch caterpillar is striped in black, white and yellow bands. There are also two pairs of black filaments with white dots on its thorax and abdomen. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed plants. They accumulate toxins from the milkweed which makes both the caterpillar and adult butterfly unpalatable to predators. The chrysalis is an opaque jade green speckled in gold that hangs from a branch or leaf.
Cabbage White Butterfly Caterpillars
Cabbage White butterflies are found worldwide and can be agricultural pests. The small yellowish caterpillars are sometimes called cabbageworms. There are two main species:
– Imported Cabbageworm (Pieris rapae) – Velvety green with faint yellow stripe down its back and sides. The chrysalis is pointed and hangs down, ranging from greenish to brown in color.
– Cabbage White (Pieris brassicae) – Fluffy grey green with fine black dots and faint yellow stripe on back and sides. The chrysalis is plumper and paler compared to the Imported species.
Painted Lady Butterfly Caterpillars
Painted Lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui) are found worldwide and known for their colorful wing patterns. The caterpillars are spiky black and yellow with rows of branched spines. Older larvae develop more pronounced red and white coloration on their backs. They feed on thistles, mallows and other plants. The chrysalis hangs downward and is metallic gold speckled in black.
African Moon Moth Caterpillars
While the aforementioned caterpillars all belong to butterflies, some moth caterpillars also share the green, yellow and black color patterns. A prime example is the caterpillar of the African Moon Moth (Argema mimosae), a giant silk moth native to subtropical Africa. The caterpillars are large, hairy and have numerous spikes coming off their yellow-green bodies in black and orange. Their huge cocoons can be over three feet long.
Identifying Unknown Caterpillars
If you find a caterpillar but you’re unsure what exact species it is, here are some tips for making an identification:
– Note the colors and distinctive markings like stripes, dots, eye spots, spines etc. Compare to photos online or in insect identification guides.
– Look for any horn-like structures which may identify it as a hawkmoth or hornworm.
– Observe behavior like host plant preferences and defensive responses. For example, tomato hornworms will feed on plants in the nightshade family.
– Check the underside of the abdomen – many caterpillars have distinguishing marks here.
– Consider features like overall size, hairiness, body shape and movement to narrow down the possibilities.
– If possible, take multiple photos to capture key features. Share on insect forums for crowdsourced help with tough IDs.
– Raise the caterpillar until it forms a chrysalis or cocoon. The pupa may have distinctive colors and shapes particular to certain species.
Conclusion
Green, yellow and black coloration is common in many caterpillar species, particularly those of the Swallowtail butterflies. However, many other types of butterfly and moth caterpillars share similar warning colors to alert predators to their unpalatability. Carefully observing the patterns, markings, behaviors and host plants can help pinpoint the exact species. With some sleuthing and research, even caterpillars that seem nondescript at first can be positively identified.
References
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| BugGuide – Black Swallowtail caterpillar | Photos and info on Papilio polyxenes larvae. |
| Stokes Butterfly Book | Field guide covering North American butterflies and caterpillars. |
| Caterpillars of Eastern North America | Guide to identification and natural history. |
| Lepidoptera Research Supplies | Tips on rearing and studying caterpillars. |
| UF IFAS Extension | Articles on caterpillar pests and butterflies. |
