The Harvester is unique among North American butterflies, for instead of feeding on the foliage of plants, the caterpillars prey on the woolly aphids (small insects) found on alders and other shrubs. Being very distinct in appearance, this butterfly cannot be confused with any other local species. On the upperside, the wings are bright orange. The forewing has a black border all the way around it. On the hindwing, the top portion is black. On the underside of the butterfly, the forewing is a very pale orange with reddish-brown markings, while the entire hindwing is reddish-brown, with darker shades being ringed with white. The wingspan is 23-34 mm. Range: This butterfly is found in the southeastern part of Canada (starting in Manitoba) and the eastern U.S. Some, but not all, consider there to be a subspecies of this butterfly. Feniseca tarquinius novascotiae was described from specimens collected at South Milford in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia. It is distinguished by narrower borders on the forewings. Abundance: You may not easily run into these adults, however, in its ideal habitat, it can be quite common. Flight Period: Mid May-mid August (2 broods) Life Cycle: Female butterflies lay their eggs singly in small colonies of aphids. Less than 1/2 inch when fully mature, these caterpillars vary in color from light brown to grey-brown and have a faint dark line running down the middle of their back and on each side. They also have several rows of spines, which pick up waxy secretions produced by the aphids and are used to conceal them among their prey. The main predator of these caterpillars are ants which "tend" the aphids for the sweet honeydew they secrete. Any insect that comes close to the aphids will be attacked by the ants! Once fully grown, the caterpillars leave the aphid colony and pupate on a nearby branch. The pupae are smooth, light green on the underside and light brown on the upperside with irregular black patches. In shape it bears an amazing resemblance to a tiny monkey's head! The Harvester overwinters in this stage. Nature Notes: The Harvester can be found in wet shrubby areas. The adults do not usually visit flowers, but sometimes sip the honeydew given off by the aphids. You may be interested to know that the caterpillars are easy to find and rear to the adult stage (so long as living aphids are supplied regularly). The caterpillars are most commonly found in late August and early September.