Spotted loitering

Mystery caterpillar alert! Suspect is large, alone, and doesn't appear to be eating. It's just loitering, going on two days now, in the Gregg's mistflower plant. That plant is not a known caterpillar food source, although the butterflies feed on flower nectar.

At first glance, suspect is rather nondescript, but on closer observation it has eyespots and a pattern of triangles along its stripes. Looks like a man's necktie. 

Probable identification is yellowstriped armyworm, (Spodoptera ornithogalli). If not eaten by a bird, it will go underground to pupate like a tomato hornworm.

Do not attempt to take into custody. Go on about your business, folks.

© 2013 Nancy L. Ruder