Garden Q&A: This caterpillar's soft spikes a defense mechanism
I am seeing numerous orange caterpillars, with thin black spikes protruding from their body, munching down on my passion plant leaves. I am pretty sure they are the caterpillar of the fritillary butterfly, but they look dangerous. Should I be worried?
There is no need for alarm. You have aptly described the larvae, or caterpillar, stage of the gulf fritillary butterfly.
In numbers, they can be ferocious eaters of their host plant, the passion vine. But, then again, this vine grows vigorously and can usually provide plenty of plant food for its guests. The spikes do look a bit formidable, but if you gently touch them, you will find that they are actually soft to the touch.
Their appearance is a good defense mechanism, as their potential prey might be leery of the orange coloring and dangerous looking spikes. Note that butterfly caterpillars are usually not stinging caterpillars. It is some of the moth caterpillars that can pack a hurtful sting.
Soon, you should be seeing the adult forms of the caterpillar floating around your landscape, mating and forming the next generation of gulf fritillaries.
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There are a number of spiders in my yard hanging from round webs. They have orange/reddish markings on the underside. Please tell me these aren't black widow spiders.
I am happy to tell you that these are not the venomous black widow spiders that we should take precautions to avoid.
Based on your description, and if you get a little closer, you will see that the markings are metallic orange in color and the body is greenish. This is one of the garden orb spiders that emerges in the summer months. It is called the orchard orb-weaver spider. Known for spinning large, spiral, wheel-shaped webs, you can find them on the edge of gardens and shrub beds.
In contrast, black widow spiders are black with a distinct red hourglass shape on its underbelly. Black widows are usually found in more protected areas such as under rocks and boards or in heavy underbrush. Also, they don't spin orb-like webs.
Other common summer orb spiders that you might see in your garden are the golden silk spider, or banana spider, and the spiny orb-weaver. Even though the orb spiders don't have the venom of the black widow spiders, it is best to avoid handling them. If they are in the way, gently lift up one end of its web - use a broom or similar tool if you want to keep your distance - and place it on a nearby shrub so it can continue to do its work of helping control the insect population in your landscape.
Some of my tomatoes have cracks or splits starting at the stem end. What causes this, and can I still eat the tomato?
What you are describing is radial cracking, which starts at the stem and can extend toward the blossom end. Cracking occurs when the internal expansion of fruit is faster than the expansion of the skin or epidermis of the fruit, resulting in the splitting of the skin.
A tomato's tendency to experience cracking can be a varietal issue, a maturation issue, a watering issue, a temperature issue or one or all of the above. Some varieties are more susceptible to cracking than others. While cracking can occur at any stage of development, as tomatoes mature and turn color, they become more susceptible to cracking.
Wide fluctuations in watering practices can cause cracking. Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially during times of drought. Similarly, wide fluctuation in air temperature can cause tomatoes to crack. Another possibility of cracking is exposure to sun. By maintaining good foliage cover, you reduce the possibility of cracking.
Usually, cracking does not cause a widespread loss of tomatoes in the garden. If you look closely, you will see that many cracks start to heal themselves. It is perfectly fine to eat your ripened tomato that exhibits cracks - just avoid any portion that looks or smells suspect.
Paula Lamb is a master gardener with the Duval County Extension Service and the University of Florida/IFAS.