Help using the caterpillar identification chart, please
Iris S (SC, Zone 7b)
5 years ago
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Iris S (SC, Zone 7b)
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Please help this gardener and her caterpillars
Comments (4)I understand that you're disturbed by this, and I can absolutely appreciate that. However, some people garden so that they can enjoy the beauty that their gardens bring them. Or they savor the fruits of their labor in the form of fruits and vegetables. Caterpillars that destroy their gardens are considered the enemy, and they have the right to protect what they have worked so hard to produce. A lot of people in this very forum have asked, when trying to find an identification for a busy caterpillar ;" is this a 'good' insect or a 'bad' one? I've never known quite what people mean by that, but I assume that it has something to do with the beauty of the adult moth or butterfly. The 'bad' ones are likely to be removed and tossed to the birds or drowned in a pan of soapy water. I'm not a butterfly raiser, so I make sure that I do not bring in any important host plants to my property. I have a neighborhood full of birds! But, on the other hand, whatever caterpillars I do find are welcome to stay. I love to watch them. Since the gardens are full of moths and butterflies, I think I've made the right choice for me. I'm just glad that those who responded didn't suggest a long list of toxic chemicals to douse her plants with. It seems reasonable, in my mind, to suggest the hand removal of an insect that is destroying a plant she has been looking forward to having in her garden. I hope that you see my point, even though you may not agree with it. ;-)...See MoreCaterpillar Identification?
Comments (1)Any chance of an image? Sure would help us help you....See MoreHelp with Caterpillar ID, please
Comments (3)Thanks, Roselee....I have seen the Swallowtails in my garden beds for years, but this is the first time I have actually found a cat! I need to check my other citrus trees. Molly...See MorePlease help ID caterpillar. I know I should know this.
Comments (7)Iris, what kind of plant are those cats ravaging? The Mexican Sweet Herb is very pretty. I guess you could call it a frogfruit, because it's so closely related. It looks like it would make a nice front of the border, or container plant. Do you get many butterflies on the flowers? Do uou know what species of them are the best as host plants. One side of my house is shaded by Oak, and Cottonwood. Grass won't grow there so I have ferns and Hostas, and there's a few shade loving Carex sedge in there too. I noticed a bunch of little plantains in there, that are tiny because of the dry, hot, weather. I'm going to start watering and fertilizing them for the Buckeyes. When I went to harvest a syriaca stalk tonight, I found yet another Monarch cat on it....See MoreMissSherry
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoIris S (SC, Zone 7b)
5 years ago
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