This is a sad story about Mr. Caterpillar.
A few weeks ago we went up to the roof and noticed one of our jalapeno plants was bare. A few days before it was filled with peppers and leaves, and then suddenly it was close to being empty.
We looked on the plant and I shouted “OMG!” and then “LOOK!” and then Matthew shouted “OMG”. There was one giant caterpillar staring at us on the plant. After us both squealing with fear as I took him off the plant, squirming in my fingers (!), we threw him in a bowl to examine this massive guy. This was a Tomato Hornworm caterpillar moving around with a look of warning at us.
Mr. Caterpillar didn’t just eat the jalapeno plant, he ate multiple jalapenos, with seeds! I’m sorta ruining the story here but a caterpillar eating jalapeno peppers usually doesn’t have a good ending. 🙁
Even though he ate our jalapeno plant I still wanted to save him so he could turn into a beautiful moth. I put him in the bowl with some grass and things that I thought he would like to eat (like tomatoes).
Unfortunately because he ate so many of our jalapeno peppers while on the plant, he turned to a blackish color and died a few days later. RIP Mr. Caterpillar. I gave him a proper loved burial in the garden.
In other news, how’s our jalapeno plant doing? It’s back! I’ve said before that jalapeno plants are warriors and they really are.
And just a few days ago there were peppers back to be picked!
I’d like to dedicate these peppers to Mr. Caterpillar. Love you always, even if you eat our plants.
Abbe @ This is How I Cook says
Jeez. That plant is a warrior, but poor Mr. Caterpillar. Did you know that some caterpillars are poisonous? picked up a cute yellow furry one with black spikes not to long ago. Turns out they give jelly fish like stings. Luckily, I didn’t touch the stingers!
Pamela says
Yikes, that sounds scary! He was wiggling around when I picked him up so I quickly threw him in the bowl!
Susan says
It’s funny, but in all my tomato-growing years I’ve only seen one tomato hornworm. It sure scared the heck out of me when I saw it! This poor little guy didn’t know he was supposed to stay away from the hot stuff. You were a good Samaritan to try and save it!
cheri says
Yikes you would think that he would of known something was amiss when he was munching on the plants, poor thing!
Ashley says
Holy cow that caterpillar is HUGE!! I can’t get past how big it is! haha
Norma Chang says
Amazing how quickly plants bounce back even after major setback, I see many flowers on your pepper plant so you will be getting good harvest. No idea tomato hornworm would eat pepper.
Suzanne says
Wow thats one giant caterpillar. He is huge and I can imagine why he passed after eating so many hot peppers. LOL, poor little guy I hope he died happy.
Charisa says
Poor little guy! You’re sweet for taking such good care of him. Bet he appreciated it!
Jealous of your pepper plants! I was able to get 3 small ones this entire season from mine because the deer eat everything. It was fun trying though!
Pamela says
Aww, bummer about your plants (but still, you got 3!). Maybe have a talk with that deer and make a deal? 😉
Debra says
Well, I hate these little buggers. I have been lucky not to have seen many this season (or they have been lucky they haven’t seen me). Serves him right. 🙂
Pamela says
Hahaha, Debra, you warrior you!
Louise says
So sorry to hear about your Jalapeno plant, Pamala. I must admit though I found this episode quite heart warming. Nature is truly amazing isn’t it? Too bad about the caterpillar. I’m glad to hear you gave it a proper burial and that your plant was replenished.
Here in PA, I have noticed some tomato hornworms grown to be hummingbird moths. The first time I saw one, it scared the bejeebies out of me. As a Long Island girl, I had never seen one before, tomato hornworms yes, hummingbirds or their counterparts never!
Thank you so much for sharing, Pamela…
Louise says
Hi Pamela,
Just a note to thank you for visiting my blog. Have you tried planting milkweed on the roof? I grew quite a few in pots this year and the butterflies LOVED it! (we were blessed with a few Swallowtail and Monarch caterpillar sightings too)