Adult — Owen County (Rick Malad) Adult — Fountain County (Carla Frazier) Adult side view — Grant County (Anthony Lara) Adult side view — Scott County (Brian Lowry) Caterpillar with yellow coloration — Jefferson County (Ryan Stohler) Caterpillar with white coloration — LaGrange County (Doug Selzer)
An Indiana Native
Apatelodes torrefacta — Spotted Apatelodes
J.E. Smith, 1797
Hodges# 7663
Etymology
Apatelodes: Combines the older genus Apatela once used for the Dagger moths and the Greek odes, for “resembling.”
Torrefacta: Possibly from the Latin torre meaning “ to burn or char,” and facta, “the act of;” perhaps in reference to skin irritation caused by contact with the caterpillars that is said to occur with some people.
Pronunciation
Uh-PAT-eh-loads tor-eh-FACT-uh
Adult — Owen County (Rick Malad) Adult — Fountain County (Carla Frazier) Adult side view — Grant County (Anthony Lara) Adult side view — Scott County (Brian Lowry) Caterpillar with yellow coloration — Jefferson County (Ryan Stohler) Caterpillar with white coloration — LaGrange County (Doug Selzer)
Documented Occurrences
This map shows the verified sightings of the Spotted Apatelodes in Indiana. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).
Spotted Apatelodes caterpillars are fairly generalistic feeders who are able to utilize a variety of flora, particularly the foliage of native trees. Adult moths do not feed.