CLOSED: Black Spined Caterpillar with Reddish Stripes

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TyroGardener Saint Petersburg, FL Jun 12, 2010

About 1.25 inches long. Eating a cactus plant in West Central Florida. It rolls up like a porcupine when defensive.

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melody Benton, KY(Zone 7a) Jun 14, 2010

I believe you have a caterpillar of the Giant Leopard Moth: Hypercompe scribonia

http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/go/587/

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TyroGardener Saint Petersburg, FL Jun 23, 2010

Hi Melody,
Sorry for the late reply. I looked at the pictures of the Giant Leopard Moth caterpillar, and I think you nailed it. My caterpillar is identical to those other pictures. I don't remember ever seeing this moth, and I think I'd remember since it is really striking. I've only recently started gardening, so there are probably all kinds of things that have had long-term residence in my yard, and I'm only now starting to notice them.

Thanks much for your helpful reply.

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melody Benton, KY(Zone 7a) Jun 23, 2010

You're quite welcome!

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