A smaller version of a related moth, the Lesser Grapevine Looper may be hard to differentiate without a ruler.
The yellow-orange Lesser Grapevine Looper has fine, brown lines that split the forewings into bands. The largest band is darker than the others, having a subtle violet hue, and it has a tiny dark dot close to the outer edge. The two orange hindwings have dark brown smudges at their inner tips, and the slender abdomen curls upward between them.
The caterpillar feeds on the leaves of Virginia creeper, a native vine, and also grapevines. The pencil-thin body is green, green and pink, or even yellow depending on its maturity. Thin yellow rings circle the body segments at most stages. When threatened, it stiffens its body and clings to a branch or stem with its rear end, making itself look like a new twig. Two broods can be produced each year.
Scientific Name: Eulithis diversilineata
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 28mm to 33mm (1.09in to 1.29in)
Colors: orange; yellow; brown; purple
Descriptors: yellow; orange; small body; curled body; brown lines; curved wings; tiny black dot; flying
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.