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Among Canadian butterflies, the Harvester is the only one that is carnivorous, feeding on other insects, primarily Wooly Aphids, in their larvae stage. They are found almost entirely in woodland areas.
A small butterfly with a wingspan 2.3 to 3.2 cm. Its upperside is yellow-orange with dark brown spots on the front wing. Below there is some orange on the front, but the hindwing is distinguished by the light brownish-purple colour and distinctive white markings..
From May to August, the fast and erratic Harvester is in flight and there are usually two broods a year. The female lays her eggs in colonies of the Wooly Aphid, Scale Insect or Treehopper. The larvae is greenish-gray with darker lines along the body and fine white hairs. For protection from ants, some caterpillars feed under a silken mat covered with aphid carcasses. Adults feed on aphid honeydew and prefer alder bushes.
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HARVESTER
Feniseca tarquinius
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