Pseudosphinx Tetrio

We have em’, Pseudosphinx tetrio all over our Plumeria tree, probably over 60 of them.  Pseudosphinx tetrio, otherwise known as a Tetrio sphinx moth or caterpillar (depending on the stage).  Brightly colored, beautiful, kind-of scary looking caterpillars with what looks like a spike that moves forward and aft as they walk.  Bella wanted to hold them, but I said hold up, lets google it, like the pioneers did back in the day when they came across similar situations.  Sure enough, its a no-go on the holding of them, they bite. Later I checked with some locals who in turn said they “pican”, or sting.

Here are some photos:
Plumeria flower – awesome fragrance!

Plumeria tree.

Check out the eating this one has done to this leaf.

Look close, they are everywhere, even under there…  made you say “underwear”.  The girls do this constantly.

From this caterpillar.

To this pupa.

Soon to become these.  Flying up to 33mph with a 5 1/2″ wing span!

Metamorphosis.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV