Caterpillar ID needed

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Posted by regine 10fl (My Page) on

Tue, Jun 10, 08 at 22:27

I posted this question on the Florida Gardening Forum, but so far no answers. I found this caterpillar on my Jamaican Caper bush. I noticed that some of the leaves were chewed up , skeletonized, and stuck together. When I pried them apart, I found more caterpillars and what looks like eggs.
I thought that maybe a butterfly expert could tell me what this is because you are more familiar with the moth and butterfly caterpillars.I have plants designated as butterly larva plants but this wasn't one of them.

Regina

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RE: Caterpillar ID needed

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Posted by misssherry Z8/9MS (My Page) on
Tue, Jun 10, 08 at 23:30

They look to be geometrid moth caterpillars or inchworms or loopers. I looked through my Wagner book and couldn't find one just like it, but then there are jillions of 'em, too many to be included in one book.
Those things inside the stuck together leaves are frass or caterpillar poop. I've got lots of geometrids in my trees and bushes that use a white silk to "sew" the leaves up.
Sorry I can't be more specific.
Sherry

RE: Caterpillar ID needed

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Posted by susanlynne48 OKC7a (My Page) on
Wed, Jun 11, 08 at 9:57

I agree with MissSherry! It is hard to find what specific geometrid they could be. That said, some of them are quite lovely. Probably won't eat that much of your plant, and even if it does, the foliage will grow back.

Susan

RE: Caterpillar ID needed

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Posted by regine 10f (My Page) on
Wed, Jun 11, 08 at 21:25

Thank you, I learned something today. I try not to spray pesticides on my plants but let nature take its course, so I will leave this plant alone and see what happens.

Regina

RE: Caterpillar ID needed

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Posted by zone10lb 10 (My Page) on
Fri, Jul 3, 09 at 8:55

Regine,
The larva is a Florida White Butterfly. Larva host plants include Milkbark, Guiana Plum, Limber and Jamaican Capers. Habitat includes the Florida Keys & South Florida. I am also in Zone 10 and my capers have the identical larva.

Here is a link that might be useful: Florida White

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