Shag Carpet Prothysana felderi, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
The Apatelodidae are a fascinating family of moths found in temperate and tropical habitats from Canada to Bolivia and Brazil. Their larvae, which are popularly known as ‘shag carpet’ caterpillars, are characterised by having thick coats of red or buff coloured ‘hair’ or setae, interwoven with a carpet-like pattern in black and / or white.This species is found from Mexico to Bolivia.
Habitats
Prothysana felderi is found in primary and secondary rainforest and cloudforest habitats at altitudes between about 200-1800m.
Lifecycle
The larva of Prothysana felderi varies in appearance from instar to instar. It also occurs in various colour forms across its geographical range. Some varieties have a buff or olive ground colour, with tussocks of red setae on the thoracic and anal segments, while others are deep red, with ribbons of black or white setae along the backs. The larvae feed on Philodendron, Heliconia, Welfia, Aegifila, Chamaedora, Piptocarpha, Pentaclethra, Piper, Stigmaphyllon, Neea, Lycianthes and Heliocarpus.
Adult
The adults of Apatelodidae are known as ‘head-standing’ moths due to their odd resting posture as illustrated below.
Quentalia roseilinea ( or closely related species ), Satipo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins