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Whirlabout

Whirlabout

Polites vibex

A species of Polites

When hearing the name whirlabout, you probably are thinking about old-fashioned amusement park attractions. However, the Polites vibex, also known as the whirlabout, instead gets their name from their circular flight patterns while taking off or landing. The sexes also look pretty different, as males are yellow and orange while females are a dark brown.

General Info About Whirlabout
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Attributes of Whirlabout
Adult Food Sources
Asters (aster species), ironweed (vernonia species), milkweeds (asclepias species), thistles (cirsium species), joe-pye weed (eutrochium species)
Larva Food Source
Cordgrass (spartina species), seashore saltgrass (distichlis spicata), partridge pea (chamaecrista fasciculata), panic grass (panicum species), bermuda grass (cynodon dactylon)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Whirlabout is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Whirlabout is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Whirlabout feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
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Species Status of Whirlabout
It is resident from the southeastern U.S. and West Indies to eastern Mexico through the tropics down to Argentina.
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Distribution Area of Whirlabout
United States, Mexico
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Appearance of Whirlabout
Although the two sexes are about the same size with a wingspan of 2.5 - 4 cm, they vary greatly in coloring and pattern. Both have elongated wings but the male is orange and yellow and the female is dark brown. Male: the forewing is orange with a black stigma and nearby scales that form a dark, four-sided patch. The hindwing is golden orange with large, dark, smudged spots. Female: the forewing is dark brown with light colored spots. The hindwing is a greyish yellow-brown with a couple of bands of large brown spots and light central patch with dark scales at edges. Eggs are white.
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How to Identify Whirlabout?

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Life Cycle of Whirlabout
Egg During the egg stage, the whirlabout is a small, oval-shaped object, often laid on host plants. It's relatively immobile and its primary function is to house the developing embryo. The color may vary, typically camouflaged to protect against predators.
Larva As a larva, the whirlabout exhibits significant growth. This stage is characterized by a worm-like appearance, with a focus on feeding and growth. The larva periodically molts its exoskeleton to accommodate its increasing size.
Pupal In the pupa stage, the whirlabout is encased in a chrysalis and undergoes transformation. It is during this stage that the most significant changes occur, including the development of wings. The pupa is generally immobile and vulnerable.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult whirlabout’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Whirlabout
2.5 - 4 cm
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Predators of Whirlabout Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, insects, pathogenic fungi
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Predators of Adult Whirlabout
Birds, spiders, mammals, reptiles, larger insects
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Scientific Classification of Whirlabout
Tips for Finding Whirlabout
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How Can You Attract Whirlabout
For adult whirlabout, an effective trap food would be overripe fruit or a mixture of fermented sweet substances (e.g. a blend of molasses, beer, and ripe bananas) to entice them as they are attracted to fermenting fruit and nectar.
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Habitat Preferences of Whirlabout Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of whirlabout are typically laid singularly on host plants, particularly grasses, found in open, sunny locations such as meadows or along roadsides. Caterpillars of whirlabout reside inside rolled-up leaves or at the base of their host plants, often in same areas where their eggs are found. Searching for these caterpillars requires gently unrolling leaf structures without damaging the plant. The pupae are usually formed within the leaf rolls or in a loose cocoon near the ground amid plant debris. Adults of whirlabout frequent nectar-rich flowers for feeding and are often spotted basking on sunny paths or flying low among the grasses in search of mates or laying sites.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Whirlabout
Morning hours are generally the suitable time to find whirlabout as adults are most active in warmer, sunlit areas after night when temperatures are cool. Conversely, caterpillar stage whirlabout may be observed throughout the day as they are less sensitive to temperature variations.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Whirlabout
Whirlabout prefers warm, sunny weather with low wind conditions, which is conducive to their activity. During wet conditions, whirlabout may be less active and can be found taking shelter under leaves or in areas that provide protection from the rain.
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How and Where Can You Find Whirlabout at Different Life Stages
Egg Whirlabout eggs are typically laid on host plants. To find them, inspect the leaves (especially the underside) of known host plants for small, rounded or ovular objects that may vary in color.
Larva Whirlabout caterpillars can be found on or near their host plants. Look for signs of feeding, such as chewed leaf edges, and inspect both sides of leaves as well as stems for camouflage-colored caterpillars.
Pupal To find whirlabout during the pupa stage, search for chrysalides attached to plant stems, leaves, or sheltered spots near the host plant. They often blend well with their surroundings, so careful observation is necessary.
Adult Whirlabout adults can be attracted and observed by visiting flower gardens, fields, or wild areas where they can be seen feeding on nectar. Pay attention to patches of sunlight in forested areas where they might be basking or look for them perched on leaves or flowers.
Are Whirlabout harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Whirlabout
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Hurt Plant

Larvae of whirlabout feed on leaves, which can range from visible nibbling to complete defoliation, depending on the population size. This activity can lead to reduced photosynthesis, stunted growth, and in severe cases, plant death.

More Effects of Whirlabout

Beneficial Effects of Whirlabout
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Whirlabout is known for its pollination activities as it flutters from flower to flower in search of pollen. This pollinator is especially drawn to the vivid colors and unique shapes of blossoms. While feeding on pollen, whirlabout inadvertently picks up pollen on its body which is then transferred to other flowers, aiding in plant reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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