Caterpillar in my tree????

Discussion in 'Plant Pests, Diseases and Weeds' started by waretrop, Oct 8, 2011.

  1. waretrop

    waretrop Strong Ash Plants Contributor

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    Could anyone please ID this cute little thing for me. It was devouring my contorted willow tree before I caught the culprit.

    [​IMG]
    caterpillar ( photo / image / picture from waretrop's Garden )
     
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  3. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Barb I don't think it's a caterpillar at all but some type of slug. I'll do a little research and get back to you if I discover exactly what it is.
     
  4. waretrop

    waretrop Strong Ash Plants Contributor

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    Eileen, My hubby disagrees with you. This critter was found outside eating my willow tree. Doesn't leave a slime trail. He is sort of cute. I have in an a jar with one of his favorite foods, my willow. LOL

    Please someone help?????

    Barb
     
  5. waretrop

    waretrop Strong Ash Plants Contributor

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    Maybe it could be Heterocampa guttivitta. Can anyone help me confirm this. It is native to Pa. where I live. He seems to be less active during the day.
     



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  6. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    I think you're right Barb. :smt041 :smt041 It does look very like a Heterocampa guttivitta moth caterpillar. Of course, me being stupid, I thought the back end was the front and vice versa. :setc_039: :oops:
     
  7. waretrop

    waretrop Strong Ash Plants Contributor

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    eileen, LOL, my hubby did that at first. That lil bugger ate all the leaves off my contorted willow. I have him in a jar now but he turns into an ugly thing. He could have become something more beautiful. I have a 8 ft tattoo with 86 different butterflies and moths but I wouldn't have this one on me.

    :D Barb
     
  8. waretrop

    waretrop Strong Ash Plants Contributor

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    And now he went to sleep. If he is a Heterocampa guttivitta, he will bloom into an ugly little creature. [​IMG]
    caterpillar ( photo / image / picture from waretrop's Garden )

    Barb
     
  9. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    I must admit the moth he may transform into isn't the most attractive. It would be great though if you could get a photograph of him emerging from his cocoon and drying off. :stew1:
     
  10. waretrop

    waretrop Strong Ash Plants Contributor

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    Well, I will have to try to do that. I wonder how long before he emerges or if he needs cold weather?????
     

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