DuRunRun
member
Posts: 86
Reg: 07-13-06
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05-03-12 06:38 PM - Post#148970
I found 5 of these critters on my passion flower vine. They are obviously some type of caterpillar but they don't see to be eating the plant [yet].
They have an orange body, are quite thin, and have black spikes. I have a photo but it looks like I can't include it here.
Not sure if I need to get them off my plant or not.
Edited by DuRunRun on 05-03-12 06:45 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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civicminded
Community Guide
Posts: 9248
Loc: Lone Star State
Reg: 04-24-02
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05-03-12 09:47 PM - Post#148974
In response to DuRunRun
Just found some great sites with photos and descriptions. Could it be the Gulf Fillitary? That might even be an inaccurate name. But I'm sure Denise or other readers will help when they see your post. 
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Fred The Fisherman
enthusiast
Posts: 194
Reg: 09-11-06
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05-04-12 12:47 AM - Post#148979
In response to civicminded
Yes, the passion vine is a host plant for this butterfly. You HAVE to expect this butterfly if you are going to have a passion vine. I remember I used to try and pick them all off and then sprayed them a couple of times thinking they were going to kill the plant, but there were so many it didn't make a difference. They will eat some leaves, but you will be rewarded when you see how many butterflies you will have when they hatch. The vine will bounce right back once the caterpillars are in their cocoons.
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 8758
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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05-04-12 06:32 AM - Post#148984
In response to Fred The Fisherman
Gulf Fritillary butterfly caterpillars - I get them every year on my passionvine and have already found several. Passionvine is THE host plant for these butterflies. Expect leaves to be chewed on this vine. It recovers quickly with its fast growth. Enjoy the butterflies it attracts. They really are flying jewels in our gardens!
Allen Garden Club
www.allengardenclub.org
"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." - Mother Teresa |
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DuRunRun
member
Posts: 86
Reg: 07-13-06
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05-09-12 12:06 PM - Post#149182
In response to denisew
Thank you all. I did look up the Gulf Fritillary - those are the critters. I will leave them alone knowing that my plant [and butterflies] will survive.
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