CLOSED: Caterpillar ID

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PiggyPoo Tucson, AZ(Zone 9a) Aug 03, 2008

I just noticed that I have a very large amount of these caterpillars on my Desert Globe Mallow. I've searched out butterfly cats, but can't seem to find a match.

This is the best picture I could get

Thumbnail by PiggyPoo
Post #5362150
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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Aug 03, 2008

These are not caterpillars, but larvae of a sawfly (order Hymenoptera), likely in the family Cimbicidae - see http://magickcanoe.com/blog/2006/05/28/it-came-from-mars/ for an example.

Post #5362215
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PiggyPoo Tucson, AZ(Zone 9a) Aug 03, 2008

So, after reading up a bit on these guys, I'm assuming I don't want them around, correct?

Post #5362334
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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Aug 03, 2008

Depends on how much damage you can tolerate - the adults are interesting-looking insects - see http://www.carolinanature.com/insects/hymenoptera/cimbex0624.jpg for an example.

Post #5363053
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PiggyPoo Tucson, AZ(Zone 9a) Aug 04, 2008

Wow, I don't ever recall seeing any of those things in my yard!!! I think I'd rather keep the plant going for the hairstreaks :)

Post #5364967
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