Oleander Caterpillar and Milkweed Assassin Bug

What type if catepillars
October 5, 2009
Found eating Oleander near Hilton Head South Carolina
Walt Jankowski
Hilton Head SC

Oleander Caterpillar and Milkweed Assassin Bug

Hi Walt,
The caterpillar in your photo is known as the Oleander Caterpillar, and it is the larva of the Polka Dot Wasp Moth, Syntomeida epilais.  Below the caterpillar is an immature Milkweed Assassin Bug, a predator that often feeds on caterpillars.  We  are uncertain if it will prey upon the Oleander Caterpillar.  The caterpillar stores toxins from the oleander in its body which renders it unpalatable to many predators.

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