LIFE HISTORY DATA

Rearing results and development time

Host plants

Malvaceae: Hampea appendiculata 
Various

Parasitoids

For all Hylesia sp. in the database

Chacididae: Conura sp.

Ichneumonidae:

Tachinidae: Belvosia sp.

Predators

Observations and comments

At least some species are gregarious. When they change instars the gregarious species will come down out of the canopy and rest on tree trunks in dense aggregations composed of hundreds of individuals. It is in these aggregations that parasitoids were observed attacking the caterpillars. If sudden high pitched noises are made near the aggregation the entire mass will eventually respond with co-ordinated head flipping. Occasionally some individuals in the groups will also wriggle for an extended period. These caterpillars are often encountered on trails and buildings dispersing either to a new host plant or to pupate. The caterpillars have a powerful sting, frequently making chance encounters an unhappy occasion.

Voucher location

 Tulane University (Hylesia nr. rubifrons, other Hylesia sp.)