List of Lepidoptera that feed on grapevines facts for kids
Grapevines (Vitis species) are plants that give us delicious grapes! But did you know that many tiny creatures, especially caterpillars, also love to munch on their leaves? These caterpillars are the young forms of Lepidoptera, which are butterflies and moths. They use grapevines as their main food source to grow big and strong before they turn into beautiful adult insects.
Caterpillars That Love Grapevines
Caterpillars have different eating habits. Some are very particular about what they eat, while others are happy to munch on a variety of plants.
Picky Eaters: Caterpillars That Only Eat Grapevines
Some caterpillars are super picky eaters! They only eat grapevines and nothing else. Scientists call these "monophagous" species. "Monophagous" comes from Greek words meaning "one food." These caterpillars rely completely on grapevines for their survival.
- Hepialidae (Ghost Moths and Swifts)
- Zenophassus schamyl
Adventurous Eaters: Caterpillars That Eat Grapevines and Other Plants
Other caterpillars are less fussy. They enjoy grapevines but also like to eat leaves from many other plants. These are called "polyphagous" species. "Polyphagous" means "many foods." This ability to eat different plants helps them find food more easily in various environments.
- Geometridae (Geometer Moths)
- Peribatodes rhomboidaria (willow beauty) – These caterpillars enjoy grapevine leaves.
- Hepialidae (Ghost Moths and Swifts)
- Endoclita signifer
- Zenophassus schamyl
- Lymantriidae (Tussock Moths)
- Euproctis chrysorrhoea (brown-tail)
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Agrotis segetum (turnip moth)
- Amphipyra tragopoginis (mouse moth)
- Euxoa nigricans (garden dart)
- Noctua pronuba (large yellow underwing)
- Phlogophora meticulosa (angle shades)
- Xestia c-nigrum (setaceous Hebrew character)
- Tortricidae (Leafroller Moths)
- "Cnephasia" jactatana (black-lyre leafroller moth)
- Epiphyas postvittana (light brown apple moth)
- Eupoecilia ambiguella
- Lobesia botrana
