Eulithis diversilineata/gracilineata – Lesser or Greater Grapevine Looper

Hodges # 7196  7197

These two species are very difficult to tell apart.  Hugh McGuinness has spent time looking at specimens of each, and he says:  “I could find no consistent differences between them and I couldn’t even see a difference in gizz.”  There are differences in genitalia, but since I haven’t dissected these, I’m treating them all as belonging to either species.  There are also differences in the caterpillars, so I’m making a separate page for Eulithis gracilineata – the one I’ve reared.

Caterpillar foods: (for both species) Grape and Virginia Creeper (Beadle & Leckie)

7/11/2011

Eulithis diversilineata/gracilineata 7-11-11 1

 

9/19/2013

Eulithis diversilineata-gracilineata Grapevine Looper 9-19-13 1

 

9/7/2013

Eulithis diversilineata-gracilineata 9-7-13 1

 

8/4/2013

Eulithis diversilineata-gracilineata Grapevine Looper 8-4-13 2

 

7/7/2013

Eulithis diversilineata-gracilineata 7-7-13 1

 

7/10/2013

Eulithis diversilineata-gracilineata 7-10-13 2

 

7/10/2013  This is their typical posture – with their abdomen curled up.

Eulithis diversilineata-gracilineata 7-10-13 1