Diet

• The caterpillars of Hamadryas guatemalena feed primarily on vines in the genus Dalechampia (Euphorbiaceae).

• Dalechampia scandens is a well-documented host plant, and Dalechampia is the principal host genus recorded for the species.

• The larvae feed on the leaves of the host vine and may occur in groups on suitable plants.

Habitat

• The caterpillars occur in tropical forest, forest edges, valleys, stream margins and other areas where Dalechampia vines grow.

• They are associated with both relatively undisturbed forest and secondary or disturbed vegetation.

• In Central America, the species has been recorded from low elevations into the lower montane zone, with larvae occurring where its host vines are abundant.

Description

• The caterpillar is predominantly black, with contrasting yellow or pale markings and numerous conspicuous black spines and bristles.

• The body has prominent branched spines arranged along the thorax and abdomen, giving the larva a strongly spiny appearance.

• The contrasting black, white or yellow patterning is thought to provide an aposematic signal, making the caterpillar conspicuous rather than cryptic.

• Late-stage larvae have been documented on Dalechampia and become particularly conspicuous as the body and spines develop.