Brown caterpillar

Question: Are you able to identify this caterpillar?

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied September 12, 2024, 11:05 PM EDT
response: This looks like it is a cutworm but I can’t be sure what kind. Where was it found? Caterpillars are often specialists so what it was feeding on would help identify it. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/cutworms#:~:text=Cutworm%20is%20a%20generic%20name,is%20effective%20in%20many%20cases.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 14, 2024, 12:10 PM EDT
response: Good morning Deb, The caterpillar was on our outside door mat. Around that area we have hollyhocks, red canna lilies, milkweed, gladiolus, and some other flowers. The “Seek” app said it was an Oriental Leafworm Moth but we’re in MN which seems to be a long way from its home. -Chris On Thu, Sep 12, 2024 at 10:05 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied September 14, 2024, 12:30 PM EDT
response: The eggs could have come with the Cannas or Gladiolas. It’s hard to say for sure. It does have the two parallel lines of diamonds running down it’s back. https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/uploads/files/forecasting_invasion_risks/orientalleafworm.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 14, 2024, 1:49 PM EDT
response: If I see it again do you want it?On Sat, Sep 14, 2024 at 11:30 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied September 14, 2024, 2:38 PM EDT
response: No.you probably won’t see it again as it has likely either died or pupated. It probably dies since it was on a doormat.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied September 17, 2024, 11:46 AM EDT
response: Here is another possibility sent to me by a colleague: The Yellowstripe army worm. https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/leaf/yellowstriped_armyworm.htm

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 17, 2024, 1:41 PM EDT
response: Neither sound particularly good. Here’s a zoom view. On Tue, Sep 17, 2024 at 10:46 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied September 19, 2024, 11:01 AM EDT
response: Caterpillars go through several instar changes as they grow and their appearance can change. Some have a unique appearance and some do not. Thechanges make it difficult to actually find a photo that looks just like your caterpillar. https://extension.illinois.edu/videos/day-4-what-caterpillar-instar I can’t give you a definite identification on this one. There are thousands of caterpillars out there in our yards. We don’t see most of them. They are part of and important to the life and food cycle. They are harmless unless they get out of control and then they are only bothersome but not threatening. I hope this helps.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied September 19, 2024, 11:26 AM EDT
response: I know. Thanks for your input. She seems to think caterpillars are dangerous,so trying to get her past that. DebOn Wed, Sep 18, 2024 at 9:35 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 19, 2024, 12:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your assistance on this caterpillar. After I saw on the Seek app what it might be I was concerned that maybe I had found one that needed more attention lest it be a scout. Images from the 1961 film “Mothra” come to mind. -Chris On Thu, Sep 19, 2024 at 10:26 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: