Hi everyone,
We are in San Francisco. Here is a photo of a caterpillar in our garden (we have several of this same type right now). Does anyone know what it might be? Hairy, black with yellow marks on both sides, like stripes but not solid. It is on our hollyhock plants. Also, attached is a photo of a sphinx moth of some type also often on our hollyhocks, perhaps related to the caterpillar? Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
They are unrelated. The caterpillar is in the family Nymphalidae; likely a painted lady (Vanessa cardui). The moth is a white-lined sphinx moth, (Hyles lineata).
Flapdoodle -- We're so happy to know, thanks to your help. We definitely see Painted Lady butterflies here often. Thanks very much!!!
