What in the world can chew a large echeveria like this?
It happened overnight, plant was just outside my front door in a pot - it is not even calloused yet. I have now moved the plant to the opposite side of the house onto a high shelf. This echeveria is about 12" (30cm) in diameter and the wound is 1 1/2" (35mm) long in the leaf.
I am in Australia but if anyone has a clue as to what I could be dealing with here it would be great to know. Caterpillar? Cutworm? Godzilla?
Oh my gosh! That is a hungry bug...I'd guess a caterpillar; they seem to be the only critter that has that big of an appetite. I've never had things want to eat my Echeverias. I figured they were horrid tasting. Maybe sneak a peek at your Echeverias in the evening and see if you can find the culprit? Otherwise, I have no idea!
When I visited Australia, I thought all the insects seemed like aliens. I remember seeing the strangest, other-worldly ants and spiders. So, I'm no expert. But I do know that caterpillars are little piggies. What about a bag-shelter moth caterpillar?
karmatree I see new insects every day! Australia is like a time capsule for insects because I am convinced they have been around since before the dinosaurs. Dangerous too! I like that idea, to spy and see if it comes back. But I'm kind of afraid to see it.
We do get enormous moths here, (as big as my hand) and it is inching into summer so... hmmmm
Enormous moths start from tiny caterpillars that eat... and eat...
AusGardenGirl, keep us posted on your investigation! I am very curious. Yes, I found Australia to be very much like a time capsule, from the bugs to the plants!
Yes they do Diana! I will be sure to keep you updated. I am going to put a sacrificial leaf out there and see what happens. Not too keen on putting my beautiful echie back out there as bait!
