Observation date: September 19, 2016
Date notes: First seen beginning of Sept 2016 - much smaller, uniform color
Submitted by: Idablankenship
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I have 5 of these GIGANTIC caterpillars munching on my firesticks plant--each is roughly 5" long, 1/2" in diameter. Their underbellies are a slate color. I've never seen them before - first noticed them about 2 weeks ago and they were about 1.5" long, 1/4" in diameter, all green and very "regular" looking - and now they look very different. I live in Southern California about 1.5 blocks from the coast, I have citrus trees, banana trees, regular flowers, a rose bush, jade tree but for some reason they are munching on the firesticks plant, which is a succulent and full of water. I don't have a lot of butterflies or moths hanging around but every now and then I see them. I would love to know what these are - moth? butterfly? and what to expect when they morph... they are HUGE!
Status: Resident
Verified by: curtis.lehman
Verified date: February 21, 2022
Coordinator notes: None.
