Diet

• The caterpillars of Chlosyne janais feed primarily on plants in the acanthus family (Acanthaceae).

• Young caterpillars commonly feed together in groups, initially consuming the undersides of leaves before becoming more dispersed as they mature.

Habitat

• The caterpillars occur in tropical and subtropical forest edges, fields, scrub and other areas where suitable Acanthaceae host plants grow.

• In drier regions, the caterpillars can occur on low, spreading shrubs, often remaining within shaded portions of the plant during the hotter parts of the day.

Description

• The caterpillar is generally reddish brown to greyish or greenish, with numerous prominent black, branched spines distributed across the body.

• The body is covered with rows of fleshy, branched projections, giving the caterpillar a distinctly spiny appearance.

• Young caterpillars are typically gregarious and may occur in groups on the host plant, while older caterpillars become more dispersed.

• The spines are conspicuous but are not known to be urticating.