Tawny Coster Caterpillars

Description:

Deep rust coloured elongated body with black spiky protrusions at intervals.There were caterpillars of all sizes on this Passionflower vine (Passiflora incarnata).

Habitat:

Village Dwarhatta is an absolutely rural area with small huts. This place has an old terracotta temple which I had gone to see. As I passed a house I realized that its entire boundary wall, plus the arch over the main door, was covered by the purple passionflower. The flowers had perfumed the air. It was lovely to just stand and sniff! I have a less profusely flowering vine at home. I knew this was a host plant for the Tawny Coster. There was no one around (always wary about showing caterpillars to people...their first reaction usually is...these are damaging my plants) so I stood on tip toe to check..and was rewarded. Did not hang around for long. Wished them a safe metamorphosis and left.