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graceful_garden Hahira, GA(Zone 8b) Jul 30, 2008

Sorry - I cannot take a picture - the zoom on my camera is broken!
Moth larvae (caterpillars) - saw the mother lay the eggs, (which were translucent golden in color) but don't know what she is, she was large, about 4" wide, wider than long, not bold geometric pattern, not green in color. (not a Luna)
Caterpillars are orange in body color, with black "spines" or hairs.
Head larger, with 2 "antennae" or longer spines, and 2 slightly smaller spines directly behind these.
A tail spine.
Some spines are "branched" at the ends. These hatched this morning, and the cats are about 3/8" long.

The eggs were laid on my doorpost, and hatched this morning - I have no idea what plant to put these little guys on, & I know they'll die w/out nourishment! Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. Samantha

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fly_girl The Woodlands, TX(Zone 8b) Jul 30, 2008

Could they be these? Gulf Fritllaries?

http://bugguide.net/node/view/567

If not, what plants are near the post?

Can you describe the mother again? What color?

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graceful_garden Hahira, GA(Zone 8b) Jul 30, 2008

Hi, fly_girl! Thanks for your response! No, not Gulf frits - I have a bunch of those cats on my Passion vine (Coral Glow), but they have completely denuded it, & I have posted a request for other things they eat!
They do look a little similar, except for the bright orange, large head, and antennae & tail spines. (Spines all over, too) The only nearby plants are ferns, impatiens, sweet potato vine, and annual vinca, and boxwood. I am stumped!
I cannot accurately describe the mother - my memory is not so good, but I know she was not green. She was brownish with possibly some reddish color - I know that is a sorry description, but I was hoping the description of the cats would be something recognizable. We live in South Georgia, if that helps.
The wings of the mother were at least 4-5" wide & her wings were almost covering her body - some moths bodies seem to be very prominent & uncovered, but not hers. Thanks again, Samantha

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fly_girl The Woodlands, TX(Zone 8b) Jul 30, 2008

Okay, so, you're sure she was a moth? That narrows it down some.

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graceful_garden Hahira, GA(Zone 8b) Jul 30, 2008

Yes - it was at night - about 10:00 pm, & the light was on on the porch. She was perched on the door jamb, with wings flat out to her sides. I did not watch her for long, so I had no idea she was depositing eggs until I saw them the next afternoon! I've let the cats go - figured that they might "hone in" on their food source if left to their own devices. I still would like to know what they'll be, though! Thanks, Samantha

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