InChapala1 Posted September 4, 2022 Report Share Posted September 4, 2022 they are well camouflaged in the photo with the plant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mostlylost Posted September 4, 2022 Report Share Posted September 4, 2022 It will be a moth or butterfly soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natasha Posted September 4, 2022 Report Share Posted September 4, 2022 Hhmmmm.... have several of these plants and have NEVER seen any kind of caterpillar on them over at least 15 years. They are highly toxic to humans, cat, dogs, horses, and sheep. No idea about bugs. But have also never had any insect damage on same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floradude Posted September 4, 2022 Report Share Posted September 4, 2022 They are very common in my backyard. I consider them a big caterpillar and put them back in my tree when they crawl on the terrace. I am an avid gardener and not aware of any harm they do. They are few and far between. Now, if you want to talk about Leaf Cutter Ants... 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natasha Posted September 4, 2022 Report Share Posted September 4, 2022 Leaf cutter ants discussion would entail words we are NOT allowed to use here 😝 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sm1mex Posted September 4, 2022 Report Share Posted September 4, 2022 Check with garden store. Perhaps a friendly treatment that won’t kill friendly insects like bees and lady bugs. but get rid of them. A soapy type solution or neem type oil spray. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuckieHoomever Posted September 4, 2022 Report Share Posted September 4, 2022 I think it's a hummingbird moth caterpillar. Here's a local blog with several photos. https://judydykstrabrown.com/2017/08/20/hummingbird-moth-caterpillar-one-word-photo-challenge-insect/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InChapala1 Posted September 5, 2022 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2022 Thanks for the responses. They seem to attack my crown of thorns plants only and have a voracious appetite. I'll research environmentally friendly ways to get rid of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yo1 Posted September 5, 2022 Report Share Posted September 5, 2022 Pick them off and squash them. EZPZ 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryB Posted September 6, 2022 Report Share Posted September 6, 2022 I have a half dozen Crown of thorns and have never seen this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natasha Posted September 6, 2022 Report Share Posted September 6, 2022 On 9/5/2022 at 11:24 AM, InChapala1 said: Thanks for the responses. They seem to attack my crown of thorns plants only and have a voracious appetite. I'll research environmentally friendly ways to get rid of them. Have you actually SEEN them chewing on the leaves? Because, will ALL due respect and more, that picture tells me you aren't too knowledgeable about caring for your plant. Maybe they just "live" there are do damage elsewhere? Because I agree with Harry.... MANY very large specimens here and 2 previous houses and never have had this issue. Please do what Yo1 says....... pick them off the plants. Better you put them somewhere than kill them, but that's your choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bdmowers Posted September 6, 2022 Report Share Posted September 6, 2022 On 9/4/2022 at 4:38 PM, sm1mex said: Check with garden store. Perhaps a friendly treatment that won’t kill friendly insects like bees and lady bugs. but get rid of them. A soapy type solution or neem type oil spray. They`re harmless, no need to react with such fear. Relax. In a little while, if let to finish it's metamorphosis (when`s the last YOU had one?), we`ll have a new winged one to grace our world. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dichosalocura Posted September 6, 2022 Report Share Posted September 6, 2022 Yeah I agree with most of the posters here. First I don't see any chewed up leaves in that picture second as big as they look I would just leave them alone or gently remove them for a greener area. They will be metamorphosing pretty soon and we'll have either more butterflies or more night moths to grace our skies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lakeside7 Posted September 7, 2022 Report Share Posted September 7, 2022 Do all caterpillars produce butterflies?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dichosalocura Posted September 7, 2022 Report Share Posted September 7, 2022 Caterpillars typically produce either butterflies or moths but I'm sure if you google it you will find some that are anomalies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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