Goldenrod Flower Caterpillar

The Goldenrod Flower Caterpillar, Schinia nundina, is just one member of a diverse and visually compelling genus of flower and seed eating caterpillars. Some Schinia flower caterpillars are expertly camouflaged against a floral backdrop, others resemble seed pods, and a few species display bright and contrasting warning coloration.

My first experience with the Goldenrod Flower Caterpillar was an accidental one. A bouquet of cut flowers from a New England meadow delivered a few into my kitchen.

"An expanse of white countertop Scattered across the surface are tiny black grains like spilled pepper. Looming above is a vase of cut flowers taken from an late summer field. Aster, joe-pye-weed, goldenrod: Each is home to one or more tiny uninvited caterpillars. Dropping frass into untidy piles far below on my kitchen counter"

- Sam TCL Executive Director

Each week (or at least SOME weeks!) The Caterpillar Lab features a "Caterpillar of the Week." Each featured caterpillar is a species we've raised at our lab in Keene, NH. We hope you enjoy meeting the caterpillars of New England!