This spiky caterpillar is highly variable in color. But most are generally black above, with orange spots along the sides and metalic blue spikes. It feeds on leaves of various plants, in this example on purslane speedwell. For more information look under the comments for the adult common buckeye butterfly, shown in image “C”.
The abundance of this species of butterflies in our two nature centers is not yet known, but in the spring of 2012 the adults seem to have been seen more often then in previous years.
Host plants are nettles, false nettles and pellitories. In years, such as 2012, when caterpillars are numerous, it is common to see the top leaves of the nettles turned under where the caterpillars are in their leaf shelters. The shelter is held together with a silk web.
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