Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_32.gif)
Saturday - September 19, 2009
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Vines
Title: Orange-red caterpillar with black spikes on passionflower vine
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What kind of orange-red caterpillar with black spikes is all over my passion vine?ANSWER:
Well, Mr. Smarty Plants is not an entomologist, but according to the Austin Bug Collection the Agraulis vanillae (Gulf fritillary) is "by far our most common passionflower butterfly." Another orange and black caterpillar found on passionflowers is Euptoieta claudia (variegated fritillary). Hopefully, one of these matches the caterpilllar on your passionflower vines.
More Vines Questions
Plant identification of vine with purple fruit
September 21, 2008 - Illinois: I have a vine, red stems purple fruit with grape like clusters (sweet.hope it wasn't poisonous)What is it?
view the full question and answer
Controlling pumpkin vine in British Columbia
July 15, 2008 - I have never grown pumpkins before but decided to try one plant this year. It seems to be taking over my small garden space. Can I prune it back? I only want one or two pumpkins for my grandchildre...
view the full question and answer
Passiflora and Leucophyllum together in Texas
April 23, 2015 - I've got a Passiflora incarnata that has self-propagated around a cenizo sage. My question is, will the passionflower vine choke out or otherwise damage the cenizo? Do I need to cut back the vine? ...
view the full question and answer
Non-native, invasive Asiatic Jasmine from Austin
October 25, 2012 - Is Trachelospermum asiaticum considered a native texas plant? Is there an example growing at the Center that can be viewed?
view the full question and answer
Native vine for privacy fence in Tennessee
September 29, 2008 - I am looking for a vine for privacy that grows in width not up; thru a standard 4' chain link fence. Colorfull. Can you help?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |