Turbulent Phosphila
Phosphila turbulenta (Hübner, 1818), fam. Noctuidae, P-no. 932208
Host plants: Feeds only on greenbrier (Smilax spp.)
Date found(s): September 7, 2026
Location(s) found: Franklin County, MO
Notes: Despite their apparent warning coloration and their conspicuous nature of often feeding on top of their host’s leaves in broad daylight, it is unknown if turbulent phosphila caterpillars are protected from predators via chemical sequestration. They may simply be mimics, taking advantage of predator’s avoidance of black and white prey animals.
I found the group of gregarious early instars in southern Minnesota in June. Many thanks to Eva Wiedeman for finding and letting me photograph the later instar pictured here.
