Caterpillars of Delaware

Whites and Sulphurs

• The Pieridae family of butterflies consists of two subfamilies. The subfamily of Pierinae, also known as whites and the subfamily of Coliadinae, also known as sulphurs. The caterpillars in this family largely feed on crop plants such as cabbage, mustard, cress, alfalfa and peas. Some can be damaging to crops, such as the cabbage white. Others feed on the plants but do little damage overall.

Swallowtails

• Family Papilionidae is also known as swallowtail butterflies and includes several beautiful species. The tiger swallowtail butterfly is the Delaware state butterfly. The caterpillars of these beauties are non-destructive and largely feed on trees and bushes such as birch, ash and basswood.

Skippers

• Hesperiidae is a large family of butterflies that includes two subfamilies: Hesperiinae and Pyrginae. This family is commonly referred to as Skippers. Skipper caterpillars mostly feed on grasses and legumes, such as clover. The caterpillars are small and the butterflies are mostly dull, but can sometimes be very interesting.

Gossamer-Wing Butterflies

• Family Lycaenidae includes four subfamilies: Miletinae, Polyommatinae, Lycaeninae and Theclinae. The caterpillars of this family of pretty butterflies has a varied diet. The harvester butterfly of subfamily Miletinae is one of the few carnivorous caterpillars, feeding on aphids and other scale insects. The caterpillars of the subfamily Lycaeninae feed on herbs in the buckwheat family. The other species have varied diets.

Stinging Caterpillars

• Stinging caterpillars are a family of moths that have poisonous hairs. These include the saddleback, buck and puss moths. While stinging caterpillars are not pleasant to touch they rarely do much damage to crops, so should be left alone. If they must be handled wear gloves, long sleeves, and pants to avoid getting stung.

Brush-Footed Butterflies

• Family Nymphalidae, or brush-footed butterflies, is a family of butterflies that includes seven subfamilies: Danainae, Satyrinae, Libytheinae, Heliconiinae, Apaturinae, Limenitidinae and Nymphalinae. This family includes some beautiful and interesting caterpillars and butterflies. The American snout has a long nose that gives it a very distinctive look. The monarch is a migratory butterfly, traveling hundreds of miles to Mexico to meet in large groups and mate. Brush-footed butterfly caterpillars have a varied diet.