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![]() 61 R. erycina caterpillar DHJanzen100654.jpg high resolution
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While both Rothschildia erycina caterpillars and Rothschildia lebeau caterpillars have some food plants in common (Exostema mexicanum, Coutarea hexandra, both Rubiaceae) in the ACG dry forest, the R. erycina is a Batesian mimic of coral snakes rather than of Limacodidae and other urticators as is R. lebeau. For at least one kind of bird, a black-headed trogon (Trogon melanocephalus), the very ostentatious caterpillars (see 5th instar above) of R. erycina are not noxious, as determined by feeding them to nestling birds. |
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