looks like a katydid ;-) ... some sort of locust ?? ... not sure what the correct name is but we used to be fascinated with them as kids, finding their skeletons attached to trees every summer ...

That's scale insect; a sap-sucking bug that is often 'farmed' by ants. If you check the truck or branches of the bush you'll probably find ants going up and down, they farm the scale for 'honey-dew'. White oil or a cocoction made from kitchen oil diluted with water will do the trick; it has the effect of clogging up their mouths. Also if there's ants you could try a ring of petroleum jelly around the lower part of the truck and that'll stop the ants travelling up and down. Personally I use a systemic spray on them but that isn't always effective.

Cheryl Yes, while jades can handle some soil as a part of mix, gritty/gravely mix is good - great drainage, air exchange. I think pruning depends on your 'vision' of finished plant. I personally like them potted single, with thick trunk. Others may have different likes. I like bonsai styles, but don't have enough knowledge... I would prune all of the branches - make them short; most likely I would cut off the thick one and pot it as separate plant. It is good time to do it. Yes to acclimatizing, especially if they were indoors for a while. Also if re-potting and pruning - I would keep them in some dapple shade/filtered sun to begin with (not necessary to bring them in), and keep putting into more sun every 2/few days (I don't know where you are). Here is photo of one with 'extra' branch, before: (there are many good threads on pruning on this forum - search for 'chopping jades')and after: If you like to start new thread, after opening Cacti& Succulent forum, there is large 'box' on top; put title of your thread in top column (where it sayz Example title), and continue with text & photos below. I wouldn't start new one on this subject - it's already 'running' and would be duplication. You could put zone/general location next to your name, it will eliminate questions "where are you located" :) Rina

Ummm... dunno what species tqh11890's critter is, but it looks to me like a caterpillar that has formed a cocoon. THIS (above) photo is a tomato hornworm that has been parasitized by a species of tiny Braconid wasp. I often see these on my plants. Leave them because they devour the cats from within and so the "worms" no longer are eating, but instead ensuring another generation of parasitic wasps. The white rice-like objects are the cocoons of the wasp larvae that finished eating & exited the skin of the caterpillar to complete their metamorphosis.