Yep, that's what they are. There is a cluster of about 10-15 munching on the date palm. Should I leave them be, or spray 'em? They are really going to town, maybe I can just snip off the branch and put it in the vacant lot next door? Hate to kill them, but I will if I have to!! At least they are all in a clump, rather than scattered around the tree. Only one branch affected so far.

Yea, got it!! I posted this same question in Garden Web's "Name That Plant" forum and someone came up with Ptelea trifoliata, otherwise known as Hoptree, Wafer-ash, Stinking-ash, Water-ash Rutaceae, though I'm not sure yet which cultivar mine is. I may try propagating with seeds and see how that goes. If it works out I may bring some to a swap. They are delicious smelling! But it's really odd, because when I got my nose right up to it, I thought for a second it smelled more like a skunk! So perhaps that is why one of its names is "stinking-ash". One cultivar "Aurea" is becoming popular as a fragrant plant to use in wildscapes as much for its gold fall color as its lovely sweet scent. I've included a link if anyone is interested in learning more. Here is a link that might be useful: Lady Bird Wildflower Center - Ptelea trifoliata This post was edited by mrs.wiggley on Sun, May 4, 14 at 17:43

It's a smartweed dagger moth caterpillar/acronicta oblinita. They're generalists and eat many different type leaves, not just smartweed. Sherry Here is a link that might be useful: Acronicta Oblinita

Use google image search ... https://www.interiordecorating.com/Fabric/36168-1156-Fern-Black