The Gulf Fritillary caterpillar employs "visual deterrence" of orange color and black spines to scare away potential predators. The spines are actually soft and it would not hurt you to touch it. While this caterpillar looks fearsome it doesn't sting. If it senses predators around it can release smelly odors to turn them away. The host plant for the gulf fritillary is the purple passionflower.
Marvelous closeup, KV! While not especially a fan of caterpillars, still this is beautiful, and I appreciate being able to see the butterfly it will become. God's artistry and creativity is truly unbounded!
