Since we've been talking butterflies…

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Yesterday I discovered this caterpillar on my cutrus tree. It's a saddleback moth caterpillar. The cat is about 1.25" long and the moth is small only about 1.5". Pretty cool.

I have 31 frit pupae in the butterfly cage that should erupt within 1-2 weeks …just in time for the new giant swallowtail cats that should hatch around that time from the eggs I watched a butterfly lay today!

Featured Answer

dirtygardener

8 years ago

YIKES! Saddleback cats can give a vicious sting, so be careful!

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Comments (7)

irma_stpete_10a
8 years ago
What a cute one!
jane__ny
8 years ago
That is the coolest caterpillar.
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Rhonda
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Bea,

Aren't they cool?!I often wonder why some cats have such weird/unique patterns. What could this saddle possibly be used for?

Unlike many cats, they aren't very specific on what they eat. I have found them eating my succulents in past years (see pics).

They will give very nasty stings, so wear gloves anytime you're near them.
bea (zone 9a -Jax area)
Original Author
8 years ago
I guess I'm starting my second wave of giants! I have 16 cats (10 from citrus trees hubs brought home from citrus trees at the nursery where he works and they are in about 3-4 instar, and 6 from my own citrus trees). I'll probably have more soon as there are several eggs on the trees.

oh, and 3 out of 19 frit pupae erupted today!!!
bea (zone 9a -Jax area)
Original Author
8 years ago
Yeay!!! Our first ever Queen visited our yard today. Lots of milkweed fir her in my beds.
Rhonda
8 years ago
OK Bea, I'm getting really jealous! 16 Giant cats! If I see one, it's coming into an enclosure.

Congrats on the Queen. I just love them.