Patty, This is a most fascinating creature. When small it is designed to look just like bird poop. (Come to think about it, when large, it just looks like big bird poop!) This is a great defense against being eaten by birds (or anything else for that matter). If you disturb one, it will stick out it's threatening looking red "tongue". Plus, it will emit a foul odor that resembles - guess what! You got it - poop.
I normally spray when I see them, but I provided this one with a one gallon seedling I had, and put it in a safe place. I wanted to watch it become a butterfly. It disappeared after a couple of days. I am not sure if something got it, or it crawled off someplace to make the transition in private. I am sure I will get another try, they pop (one "o"
) up pretty often here. If I see a butterfly, I will post it's picture also.
