I have lived and played on this soil for many years, but I have never come across a creature such as this. It is eating (along with 7 or 8 of his siblings) a plant that I have never grown here before, however: A castor bean plant. Can anyone identify this fella?UPDATE from Wikipedia: "These saddleback caterpillars have a pair of fleshy "horns" at either end, and these, like much of the body, bear urticating hairs that secrete an irritating venom. Stings can be very painful. They can cause swelling, nausea, and leave a rash that can last for days. Individuals with sensitive skin are cautioned against coming into contact with them as the reaction can be more severe than the typical reaction." Yikes....
What a beauty, eh?
ReplyDeleteI don't remember if these guys are native or not, but it is the saddleback caterpillar. The hairs on them sting, sort of like a bees sting.
Thanks! I did notice the 'hairs' ...they reminded me of porcupine quills. Thought it best not to get closer than the zoom on my camera could take me.
ReplyDeletewe got these. my critters always eat up my morning glories
ReplyDeletewhat about you?
http://www.floridanature.org/species.asp?species=Acharia_stimulea
Wow!! I have sure never seen one of those!!! Very interesting!! Great photos of him!
ReplyDeleteThe herb walk and all look like they were just wonderful!! Have a relaxing week this week!!!
These snack on my morning glories and sweet peas. Disgusting. Which end is the head? :O
ReplyDelete