Comments for blue spikey caterpillar with orange spots and legs (Cloak butterfly larva)
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Comments for
blue spikey caterpillar with orange spots and legs (Cloak butterfly larva)

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We found this insect in So CAL
by: Shannon McCann

We live in San Diego and sound this in our back yard. We were trying to identify it and found your website. The kids were alarmed by the spikes, but the picture was a great help. I'm so glad this site was available. Thank you.
caterpillar
by: kate

what kind of caterpillar is this it's under my deck in a j he's about to go into it's cacoon.
Mourning Cloak butterfly larva
by: Moni

Bill
You have found Mourning Cloak butterfly larva. They feed on willows,poplars, elm, hackberry, and birch.
According to Wagner's Caterpillars of E. North America, eggs are laid in clusters around a twig. "The larvae remain together until they are fully-fed and finally move off their foodplant to pupate - they may even leave more or less en masse."
Adults overwinter in woodpiles, sheltered site or sheds.
Evidently you happened on the right place at the right time to see these! The butterfly is one of my favorites. Great find!

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