It gets its name from the yellow and orange markings on its back that give it a flattened appearance.

This mechanism also makes it an object of fascination to many amateur entomologists, as the cyanide compounds reportedly give off a scent similar to cherries.

[3] It is recommended that one wash their hands after handling this organism as the compounds it secretes are poisonous and can cause extreme irritation if rubbed in the eyes.

[1] Apheloria virginiensis can serve as a host to the parasitic fungus Arthrophaga myriapodina, which causes infected individuals to climb to an elevated spot before death.

It is an omnivore that helps in the decomposition of deciduous leaves and dead bugs.