WHAT'S EATING YOUR PLANTS?! ID THAT GREEN CATERPILLAR

Green caterpillars are one of the most recognizable (and often unwanted) visitors to your garden, and are often found munching on the leaves of various ornamental and edible plants, shrubs, and trees.

For the most part, caterpillars are harmless to humans but some may cause skin irritations when touched, or even spit acid in defense!

So, it’s a good idea to identify any green caterpillar first before attempting to hand-pick it.

Angle shades moth caterpillar

01.

Its coloring is green with a layer of white lines running down the sides, but there can also be instances where the skin is brownish-green with red spots running down the sides alongside the lines.

Black swallowtail caterpillar

02.

Young caterpillars are black with white saddles, but mature into a bright green color layered with black stripes down the sides.

Cabbage looper caterpillar

03.

The cabbage looper caterpillar can easily be identified by its distinctive movement: It arches its back or “loops” as it inches along. Its appearance is characterized by fine hairs (almost like peach fuzz) that grow on the entire surface of the body.

Cabbage white caterpillar

04.

The majority of cabbage white caterpillars are completely light green, but others may also have yellow coloring or yellow markings.

Cecropia moth caterpillar

05.

This caterpillar has a ridged appearance that’s layered with blue, orange, and yellow protuberances across the entire body as well as small black spikes that act as a defense mechanism against predators.

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