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Integrated Pest Management

What is this caterpillar?

9 years ago

My kids found it in the garden, and I don't know whether to let it go, or start trying to control it and any others.

Featured Answer

Iris S (SC, Zone 7b)

9 years ago

I don't see a picture with your post. If you don't get an answer here try the butterfly forum. They rock at identifying caterpillars.

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Comments (6)

harris_growing
Original Author
9 years ago
Bah! I thought I did it right. I'll try again.
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harris_growing
Original Author
9 years ago
Right behind his head you can kinda see two orange areas. When it is more active they're almost like lines going all the way across. If that helps.
faerygardener z7 CA
9 years ago
The fritillaries and mourning cloak butterflies can be black with some orange markings - if you have a young one might not match pictures yet. So, what Iris said - post in the butterfly forum - experts there will help.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
9 years ago
Are you in the north east? Perhaps a young gypsy moth caterpillar?
harris_growing
Original Author
9 years ago
I'm in Wisconsin. Milwaukee, to be exact. It doesn't look like the pictures I've seen of any of those, but maybe it's just young. I'll try to post it on the butterfly forum. I didn't even know there was one. Thanks.

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