Late instar butterfly and moth larvae vary in their location on the plant and feeding habits.

It is important to keep in mind that virtually all larvae employ some type of defence mechanism to thwart predators or parasites. The trick to finding them is often recognition of the defence being used.

Some late instar larvae make no attempt to hide from predators and rely either on warning colouration (as in the Monarch) or protective colouration as in the Giant Swallowtail and Viceroy (which attempt to look like bird droppings).

Others attempt to protect themselves from predators and parasites by making nests or shelters. All three Vanessa species make distictive nests which can be recognized by a trained observer.

Warning!! It is common for 50% or late instar larvae found in the field to br parasitized. In heavy concentrations this percentage can be much higher