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Plain earl

Plain earl

Tanaecia jahnu

A species of Tanaecia

Draped in a palette of earthy browns with a mosaic of eye-like patterns adorning its wings, plain earl exhibits a striking contrast when its wings are open versus closed, a natural marvel of camouflage. This creature leads a dual life; adults sip nectar with a discerning proboscis, while the caterpillars feed ravenously on host plants, showcasing the remarkable metamorphosis they undergo. Evolved for subtropical realms, plain earl thrives in the understory, contributing subtly to the pollination tapestry.

General Info About Plain earl
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Attributes of Plain earl
Colors
Brown
Gray
Habitat
Park
Adult Food Sources
Floral nectar from various flowers like lantana, ixora
Larva Food Source
Host plant leaves such as diospyros spp., vitex negundo
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Plain earl 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
Not reported
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Distribution Area of Plain earl
Sikkim, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Yunnan
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Life Cycle of Plain earl
Egg The embryonic stage begins as the plain earl lays eggs on a host plant. The eggs are small, round, and may have fine structural details, often adapting colors that blend with the environment to avoid predation.
Larva After hatching, the larva, or caterpillar, of plain earl has a worm-like appearance with a voracious appetite. As it grows, it will shed its exoskeleton in a process called molting. It often has colorful patterns to warn predators.
Pupal The plain earl enters the pupal stage encased within a chrysalis. It's a resting stage with little external activity, but internally, body structures of the immature insect undergo extensive changes, transforming it into an adult.
Adult The adult plain earl emerges with wings and reproductive organs. Colorful and larger than previous stages, the adult is focused on feeding on nectar and reproducing. Its size and color are determined by genetic and environmental factors.
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Predators of Plain earl Larvae
Birds, ants, wasps, spiders
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Scientific Classification of Plain earl
Tips for Finding Plain earl
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Youth Habitat of Plain earl
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Plain earl
Forests and Woodlands
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Habitat Preferences of Plain earl Through Different Life Stages
The early stages of plain earl are most likely found on the host plants in humid forest environments where eggs are laid. Caterpillars, clinging to the underside of leaves, are camouflaged and feed on the foliage. Pupae typically attach to twigs or sheltered spots among foliage, blending in with their surroundings. To observe these stages, one should inspect host plants, checking leaves, stems, and nearby twigs carefully. Adults, being more mobile, are usually seen in forest clearings or edges feeding on nectar-rich flowers. Searching for adults should involve visiting these feeding areas during sunny days when they are most active.
Are Plain earl harmful?
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Are Plain earl harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Plain earl
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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
Plain earl is a tireless traveler, flitting from flower to flower. It's drawn to blooms by their vivid colors and alluring shapes, seeking out pollen to consume. During this quest, plain earl inadvertently picks up pollen and transfers it from one blossom to another, sustaining the cycle of life.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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