It depends on what specific type of caterpillar it is. If you mean the saltmarsh caterpillars that seem to be everywhere this spring, they will eat plants, but don't sting. You can use gloves and remove them if you think they are an issue.
They turn into gorgeous moths, like the leopard moth. Oh, I'm so glad you rescued them! I've rescued a few, too, that were getting too close to feet. They are so friendly. But, as Wizzie says, some can really sting like the asp! The fuzzy black ones--salt marsh caterpillars--don't sting.
I’ve had a lot of conversations with neighbors about the caterpillars they are finding on their plants. They’re convinced all are bad and going to destroy the plants they are feeding on. Sharing this video will help them learn that is not the case.
Oh, how wonderful!!! Thank you--yes, it sure does make a difference not to harm insects. Remind your neighbors that the baby birds right now rely on fresh food, like caterpillars!
We just recorded a podcast episode about saltmarsh, buckmoth, and dagger moth caterpillars today. It should be released next Thursday (podcast is Bugs By The Yard). Buckmoth are a stinging caterpillar that you don't want to touch. We have other stinging caterpillars as well such as io moth caterpillars and flannel moth caterpillars (also called asps or puss caterpillars). These caterpillars usually feed on broadleaf trees, so don't tend to cause long-term damage to the host trees if they are healthy, but if they fall on people then they can react to the venom.
![Yailin La Mas Viral, @kreizyk.official - Dale 2 (Remix) [Video Oficial]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/JaYHBzgqz94/mqdefault.jpg)
Central Texas Gardener and Wizzie ?!? Never clicked on something so fast!
You're so sweet...thank you!
Same!
Wizzie's been a favorite guest of ours for years. So very knowledgeable and knows how to explain things so well!
What about wooly caterpillars? I have rescued 4 that I’m sure have fallen from the trees during this last wind storm we had.
It depends on what specific type of caterpillar it is. If you mean the saltmarsh caterpillars that seem to be everywhere this spring, they will eat plants, but don't sting. You can use gloves and remove them if you think they are an issue.
They turn into gorgeous moths, like the leopard moth. Oh, I'm so glad you rescued them! I've rescued a few, too, that were getting too close to feet. They are so friendly. But, as Wizzie says, some can really sting like the asp! The fuzzy black ones--salt marsh caterpillars--don't sting.
Keep them all! That's the reason I planted Passiflora incarnata - I'm hoping to see it covered with the caterpillars of the Gulf frittillary
Yay!!! That's wonderful! And that sure is one of the great plants for summer--so many pollinators along with the Gulf fritillary butterflies!
I’ve had a lot of conversations with neighbors about the caterpillars they are finding on their plants. They’re convinced all are bad and going to destroy the plants they are feeding on. Sharing this video will help them learn that is not the case.
Oh, how wonderful!!! Thank you--yes, it sure does make a difference not to harm insects. Remind your neighbors that the baby birds right now rely on fresh food, like caterpillars!
I never hear anyone mention the buckmoth caterpillars. They are the biggest nuisance in my area.
We just recorded a podcast episode about saltmarsh, buckmoth, and dagger moth caterpillars today. It should be released next Thursday (podcast is Bugs By The Yard). Buckmoth are a stinging caterpillar that you don't want to touch. We have other stinging caterpillars as well such as io moth caterpillars and flannel moth caterpillars (also called asps or puss caterpillars). These caterpillars usually feed on broadleaf trees, so don't tend to cause long-term damage to the host trees if they are healthy, but if they fall on people then they can react to the venom.
@@wizziebrown5132 Thank you!!! I will check out the podcast and add to the blog and this week's blog!