First spring queen affinis seen in wv in the last 25 years or more.
After noticing dead leaves of prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) and accumulation of frass at the plant base, I found this larva just below the ground. I counted at least 15 plants with wilted leaves and frass accumulated at the base of the plant.
Note the pale red on the head and proximal antennae. This is the first time this species has been documented in Wisconsin.
Found on Swamp Milkweed, wildlife garden, wetland woodland edge