White-dotted Prominent caterpillars are commonly found in oaks, their only host plant group. They become a moth that is arguably far less flashy and cool than the cat. When the mature caterpillars are tapped gently with a finger. imitating the prods of an inquisitive songbird, the caterpillar will often rear up and gently sway back and forth like a cobra. If the harassment continues, the caterpillar will sometimes coil and peer over the loop while bearing its yellow mandibles to create "eyes". The effect is astonishingly serpent-like, and might serve as a visual deterrent to small songbirds.