Observation date: September 10, 2023
Submitted by: bottletree858
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: There are two of these caterpillars, which my research has led me to believe are future moths, on potted plants in my backyard. Unfortunately I don’t know with certainty what these plants are, as I found them as seedlings in my yard and decided to grow them. I posted pictures of the plants on a plant ID website and someone replied very confidently that they’re White Bottletrees. I have no reason to think that’s incorrect.
The caterpillars seem to be eating only the fresh leaves and fresh growth tips on the plant. I’m guessing they’re more active at night as during the day they are typically frozen in place. They showed up in the middle of summer heat and are probably at least a month old, if not older. There was definitely two on a single plant at one time, but now I only see one per plant. They’re each about an inch and a half long.
Status: Resident
Verified by: jwileyrains
Verified date: September 27, 2023
Coordinator notes: None.
