I just came across one crawling along a big leaf of swiss chard (no evidence of munching). I just relocated him to the back of the garden and let him be. I've rarely run across more than one or 2 per season (the sandy coloured one and/or the black with brown band in the middle guy), so I don't see their numbers as too threatening. I googled what they'd look like as adults and have never seen the adult virginian moth, maybe once came across a tiger moth. As for those numerous white cabbage butterflies flitting about all over the place, whenever I find a green slender caterpillar (and I suspect that is their larvae form) I 'rub' them out. As often as I do that, it doesn't seem to affect their population the following year!

By the way, ponderoni, the general rule regarding caterpillars with tufts and spines is that they often have what is called 'urticating hair' and can sting or cause irritation when handled. Some pack a powerful punch. Your caterpillar is on the list of stinging caterpillars, so handle with care, if at all.

For the most part these wee caterpillars are not doing enough harm now to be concerned about since the plants they are working on will be going dormant fairly soon. I think right now I would collect one or two with several leaves they are chewing on, bit them in a jar with a tight light, and watch what happens to see what they do turn into. That may be next spring.

this plant is much too tropical for my experience ... but dude .... the plant will releaf and recover ... in the meantime.. enjoy the BFlies ... crikey.. there is a whole forum related to such.. and you want to kill yours ...???? perhaps do the same post in that forum ... and see what kind of reaction you get ... not every bug has to be killed.. and most do NOT kill the plant they rely on ... ken Here is a link that might be useful: the link says: The cloudless sulphur, Phoebis sennae (Linnaeus), is one of our most common and attractive Florida butterflies and is particularly prominent during its fall ...