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caterpiller
WTB, you guys are wonderfull. I had a question about an Orange Dog a while back @ you guys got back to me right-a-way. Thank-you. I have another Caterpiller I’m curious about. I didn’t see any other pictures of them, so hopefully you’ll get this one I’m sending. (Computer illiterate) I live in Chandler, AZ. ( Phoenix area). Our neighbors have some grape vines growing over our fence. I was very excited that we were going to have fresh grapes until I noticed they were covered by these yellow, black & blue stripped caterpillars. They don’t really seem to be eating the grapes, just the leaves. The plant does seem to be dying however, I don’t know if its from these little guys or just neglect. The one I took a picture of is one of the larger ones. About a 1/2 in. Any-way, what are they? Will they go for any of our other plants, for example, our orange tree? Are they poisonous if eaten by our dogs? Could they be killing the grape vines, & should I be concerned about them? Thanks again,
Cindy

Hi again Cindy,
We have been away and are just catching up on letters. This caterpillar is a Western Grape Leaf Skeletonizer, Harrisina brillians. This is a new caterpillar for our site. They are a major defoliating pest of grapes and will not spread to your other trees. If they are numerous, they will completly strip a vineyard of leaves. This will not kill the vines, but it will not be a good year for grapes. They will not poison your pets.

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4. Western Grape Leaf Skeletonizer (April 10, 2009)
5. Western Grape Leaf Skeletonizer: Imago and Caterpillars (May 10, 2009)