Caterpillars, silver bands, black spots

Discussion in 'Butterfly / Moth' started by Netty, Jul 1, 2007.

  1. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    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?
     
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  3. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    OK, I found a bigger one. Not the best picture, but you can see what it looks like.
    [​IMG]
     
  4. bethie

    bethie Young Pine

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    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.
     
  5. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    Thanks Bethie! I saw it there this morning but can't find it this evening. Perhaps it has spun? What should I look for?
     
  6. hummingbird3172

    hummingbird3172 In Flower

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    Netty, is the silvery plant the pearly everlasting?

    I just saw a painted lady butterfly a few weeks ago...it was so pretty!
     

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