Diet

• Arctiini caterpillars are predominantly plant feeders, but their diets vary considerably among genera and species.

• Many species are polyphagous and feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees.

• Some species specialise on plants containing defensive chemicals, including pyrrolizidine alkaloids and other toxic compounds, which can be sequestered by the caterpillars and contribute to their chemical defence.

• Caterpillars may feed solitarily or in groups, depending on the species and stage of development.

Habitat

• Arctiini caterpillars occur in a wide variety of terrestrial habitats, reflecting the diversity of their host plants.

• They are found in tropical and subtropical forests, tropical dry forest, woodland, forest edges, clearings, shrubland, grasslands, savannas and disturbed vegetation.

• Many species occur on low-growing vegetation, while others feed on shrubs and trees.

• Caterpillars may remain on their host plants during feeding or move through vegetation and leaf litter in search of food and shelter.

Description

• Arctiini caterpillars are commonly medium-sized to large and generally have a cylindrical body covered with conspicuous tufts of secondary setae.

• The dense hairs give many species their characteristic woolly or furry appearance, although the amount and arrangement of hair vary considerably among species.

• Many species have contrasting black, brown, white, yellow, orange or red markings, often forming conspicuous bands or patches that can function as warning coloration.

• The setae may be irritating or urticating in some species and provide an important physical defence against predators.

• Caterpillars may also defend themselves through chemical sequestration, thrashing, curling, group behaviour, regurgitation and other defensive responses.