Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Lily caterpillar

Lily caterpillar

Spodoptera picta

A species of Armyworms, Also known as Lily cutworm

Adorned with intricate wing patterns that serve as camouflage among foliage, lily caterpillar is a master of disguise by day, turning to nocturnal activities at nightfall. As it progresses from a voracious larva that feeds on a variety of plant species to an adult with a markedly more discerning palate, preferring a select few types, its dietary habits reflect a strong adaptability to available flora.

General Info About Lily caterpillar
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Lily caterpillar
Colors
Brown
Black
Red
Gray
White
Habitat
Garden; public landscaped area
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, honeydew
Larva Food Source
Leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, crops (like cotton, tomatoes, and alfalfa)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Lily caterpillar 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
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Lily caterpillar
Widespread
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Lily caterpillar
India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Japan
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Lily caterpillar
Egg The egg stage is the initial life phase of the lily caterpillar, where the eggs are typically laid in clusters. These eggs are minute and often spherical, with a color that may blend with the host plant to avoid predation.
Larva Following the egg stage, larvae emerge, characterized by a segmented worm-like body that often bears distinct patterns or markings. At this stage, they have chewing mouthparts for voracious feeding to accumulate energy for subsequent stages.
Pupal During the pupal stage, lily caterpillar undergoes transformation inside a protective cocoon. Here, the lily caterpillar's tissues are reorganized. The pupa may have a camouflaged appearance or might be buried in the substrate for protection.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult lily caterpillar'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.
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Lily caterpillar
Some lily caterpillar are capable of 'clicking' to interfere with bat echolocation, effectively turning themselves invisible to one of their main predators during flight.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Lily caterpillar
Tips for Finding Lily caterpillar
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Lily caterpillar
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Lily caterpillar
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Lily caterpillar
The suitable time for finding lily caterpillar varies with its life stage. Adults are often more active at night, so night-time is the best time to find them. Caterpillars may be observed during the day when they feed.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Lily caterpillar
Ideal weather conditions for finding lily caterpillar would be warm and dry weather, as wet conditions might decrease activity and visibility of the creature.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Lily caterpillar at Different Life Stages
Egg Lily caterpillar eggs are typically laid in clusters on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, closely inspect the foliage of known host plants in the areas where lily caterpillar populations are established.
Larva Lily caterpillar caterpillars are usually found on or near their food plants. Look for signs of feeding damage on leaves and carefully check both surfaces of the leaves as well as stems for their presence.
Pupal Lily caterpillar pupae may be underground or in hidden locations at or near the ground level. Search for them by carefully excavating soil at the base of host plants or by examining crevices in bark or other potential hiding places in the host plant's vicinity.
Adult Lily caterpillar adults can be found by setting up light traps at night or by using pheromone traps to attract males. During the daytime, adults may be resting on vegetation or other surfaces and can sometimes be found by gently disturbing foliage or by conducting visual surveys in likely habitats.
Are Lily caterpillar harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of Lily caterpillar
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Agricultural Pests

Larvae of lily caterpillar feed on hosts, chewing on leaves and stems. While mild infestations may cause little visible damage, severe cases lead to defoliation and can significantly impact crop yields, affecting humans through potential food scarcity and economic loss.

More Effects of Lily caterpillar

Beneficial Effects of Lily caterpillar
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.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Lily caterpillar is an active pollinator that visits various flowers to consume pollen and nectar. During these visits, pollen grains adhere to its body and are transferred from flower to flower, facilitating cross-pollination.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow