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A Parasitoid/Host Relationship

A giant leopard moth
Gardening Solutions
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Flickr
A giant leopard moth

The caterpillar of the giant leopard moth (Hypercompe scribonia) can fall prey in its cocoon to a fly that drills in and lays eggs. The larvae will consume the caterpillar before they emerge as adults.

The moth is part of the family Erebidae. They are distributed through North America from southern Ontario, and southern and eastern United States through New England, Mexico and down to Panama.

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Rudy Mancke served as naturalist and co-host of South Carolina ETV's <i>NatureScene</i>, which began its long run in 1978. His field trips, broadcast nationwide, earned him a legion of dedicated viewers. Rudy's knowledge of the complex inner-workings of different ecosystems and his great admiration for the natural world make him the perfect guide. In fact, the National Wildlife Federation and the Garden Club of America honored his commitment to resource conservation with special awards. After retiring from SCETV, Rudy went on to become naturalist-in-residence at the University of South Carolina, Columbia. He hosted SC Public Radio's <i>NatureNotes</i> from 1999 until his death in 2023 at age 78.