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Have you ever seen a Frangipani caterpillar? Well if you haven’t now is the time – we just spotted a colony of them in Altos de Chavón!
Literally swamping all over the bushes just outside the La Piazzetta restaurant in the center of Altos de Chavón, are perhaps as many as 100 Frangipani caterpillars.
The Frangipani Caterpillars, scientifically known as the Pseudosphinx Tetrio are a very common species in the Caribbean.
Their main host plant is the Plumeria, whose flower is also known as the Frangipani, which is how this caterpillar got its name. And it is in fact the Plumeria plant which we spotted it devouring!
Although they feed on various plants, the Plumeria is their meal of choice, they drink the latex found in their leaves, which makes them toxic to predators. Their distinctive coloring is thought to mimic a coral snake, not only being velvety black with yellow rings and an orange head, but because they wave their heads back and forth just like a coral snake when disturbed.
Frangipani flowers
Don’t touch! The frangipani caterpillars bite when handled. However if you are bitten – don’t panic – their bright colors do not warn that their bite is venomous, but rather act as a warning to predators that they themselves are toxic to eat.
Later in life, the Frangipani Caterpillars become a hawkmoths.
So if you’re interested in admiring these incredibly scary yet beautiful looking creatures, come take a look in Altos de Chavón!