Diet

• The caterpillars of Dryas iulia feed exclusively or almost exclusively on passion vines in the family Passifloraceae.

• The larvae feed on the leaves, often concentrating on young foliage and remaining on the underside of leaves while feeding.

Habitat

• The caterpillars occur wherever suitable Passiflora vines are established, including tropical forest, forest edges, secondary vegetation, clearings and disturbed areas.

• They have been recorded in both dry and wet tropical environments and at a range of elevations.

• In the Zihua region, suitable habitat includes tropical dry forest, forest margins, secondary growth and shaded vegetation where passion vines are present.

Description

• The caterpillar is predominantly dark brown to black, with contrasting pale markings and numerous prominent branched spines along the body.

• The body is elongated and covered with rows of fleshy, spine-like projections, giving the larva a distinctly armoured appearance.

• The spines are particularly conspicuous on the thorax and abdomen, while the head is relatively small and dark.

• Larvae pass through several stages and become progressively larger, with mature caterpillars reaching approximately 35 mm in length.