Today’s cat is the variegated midget (Elaphria versicolor #9678) in the Noctuidae Family. This species seems to be very polyphagous. Most literature suggests they prefer conifers but many have been found on deciduous perennials and even forb species. They also appear to be somewhat carnivorous, with reports of eating other caterpillars. The individual pictured here was found during July feeding on greenbrier (Smilax sp.) at Huzzah Conservation Area in Crawford County, MO.
A Thousand Acres of Silphiums 