Found some caterpillars on my Licorice Vine and Pearly Everlasting yesterday. They are small (upto half inch), dark with hairs (spikes?), silver bands, and black spots with smaller white spots on either side. They seem to spin themselves webs to protect themselves. I have only found them on these 2 plants so whatever they are, they seem to prefer the silvery leaved plants. Tried to take a picture but my new camera couldn't seem to focus on something that small (darn it!) Anyone know what they could be?
Netty, that is a painted lady butterfly. The helichrysum is her main food plant. I grow that silver one especially for them to eat. Your's is close to spinning.
Thanks Bethie! I saw it there this morning but can't find it this evening. Perhaps it has spun? What should I look for?
Netty, is the silvery plant the pearly everlasting? I just saw a painted lady butterfly a few weeks ago...it was so pretty!