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Project Noah Nature School
Hypercompe scribonia
Approx. 3.5" long when extended. Fat as my index finger. Covered in bunches of 1/2" long black prickly hairs. Does not sting . Resembles an all- black "wooly bear", but much larger. Skin is black, with deep red bands between segments, clearly seen if it curls up it really stretches out.
As often seems to be the case, my front porch ! Surrounded by an overgrown thicket composed of turkey oak, cabbage palm (aka Sabal palm, Sabal palmetto), grasses, Florida Gren-eyes.
I read that they will eat "sunflowers"... I'm assuming they mean Helianthus species. In PA they'd eat dandelion and plantain weeds. Any knowledgable Floridians care to chip in? I'd love to have it here at the science center for the kids to see.... ESP if I can get it to metamorphose ....
Spotted on Aug 26, 2013
Submitted on Aug 26, 2013
3 Comments
Mandy: True! Fortunately I was familiar with the species, so I knew it was harmless. Otherwise, it's a good idea to leave spiny/ hairy caterpillars alone- regardless of size! :o
Cool! I would not have been bold enough to pick up that caterpillar.
We let him (?) go outside .