Re: [SG] Insect I.D.?

Roberta Diehl wrote:
> Can anyone help me identify some long, slender caterpillars
> that are feeding on and making webs on my Baptisia? I have
...
> the caterpillars are max. 1-1/2" long and 1/8" in diameter and
> have rather pretty markings. Background color is a dull avocado
> green, and they have regular bright white and black dots on
> them in straight rows. Looks like they have tiny black horns at
> the head ends.

Nope, those definitely ain't bagworms or any such.  Most likely
they are one of the True Skipper butterflies, many of which
prefer Baptisia specifically or other legumes in general.
Almost as likely is that they could be one of the Sulphurs ~ in
fact I'd put Cloudless Giant Sulphur in the top 5 contenders.

They won't kill the plant.  As you mention, it doesn't look so
great.  Me?  That's what I grow mine for, unfortunately I don't
have them.  Yet.  Hope springs eternal.  I'd keep 'em, but it's
your call.

Margaret is probably right about the wasps.  For me .. I'd let
nature play out the whole thing ~ wasps will get some, some may
survive.

Armed with the information that they are a relatively common
(possibly) butterfly, the options are yours.  If you decide to
trash them, I'll pay for shipping, special boxing & postage and
you can send them to me.  :)

regards,
jaime
NW NJ Zone 6/5
"The mind is its own place, and of itself
Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven."
Milton
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