Artist Reply: Thanks Steve! I never know what I'll find in my yard or travels. I love looking them up and finding out more. One year I ran out in my garden in a hurry, there were hunderds of weird beetle flying things. I was so upset, thinking, they'll eat the garden all up! I caught one in a jar, ran in and found out they were soldier beetles. They eat pests! I just happen to come out when they flew in mass into my garden. They were gone in a few days, so were most of the pests. I perfer natural ways of insecticides, such as benificial insects or companion plants that rid the garden of pests. Besides, I'm allergic to most insectisides anyway. Rather see ladybugs and such, way more cool. These caterpillars are not messing in the garden enough to destroy it, so not worry. They will be spinning into cocoons soon.

Artist Reply: Thanks Renata! I thought it a beautify color, even down to the yellow stinger at the tail.

Artist Reply: Thanks Thea! I hadn't seen these before, and I've lived out here a number of years. A nice surprize!

Artist Reply: Thanks Jerry! I miss Wooley bear caterpillars, and even those ickly tent caterpillars from where I grew up. These you can't play with, they spit up and sting you.

Artist Reply: Thanks Dee! Will have to try to find out what tye of caterpillar they are.

Artist Reply: They are bright colored! This one was my my gate, but more are all over the grounds now. Don't mind them chompping away some of the weeds tat grew from all the summer storms.

Artist Reply: Thanks Loredana! As long as I can watch them, I'm happy. I'm hoping to find some spinning cocoons.

Artist Reply: Thank you Blue Doll! The move quickly, the birds aren't touching them, or anything else for that matter. Most plants and insects in the desert are not the kind you want to touch or eat. This one has a stinger. I am leary of caterpillars, as I had a allergic reaction as a child from a 10 month caterrpiller. Has a few hairly spikes down it's back, and a venon on them. One hit me in the arm falling out a tree. Not supposed to be worse than a bee sting, but haven't been stung. So, will be leary of these beauties for sure!

Artist Reply: Thank you Teresa! I've been told the little yellow stinger at the tail is not to be touched. My dog didn't like it when he nudged one today. They are suddenly all over my property. Saw about 20 today.