Billions of caterpillars have invaded rural New Mexico near Las Cruces. The insects are crawling into homes, drowning in swimming pools, and getting squished by the thousands on local roads.
New Mexico State University entomologist David Richman said these white-lined sphinx moth caterpillars are harmless in spite of their vast numbers. "The weather has to be just right," he said. "You may not see them again for another 20 or 30 years."
One resident said, "I’ve literally pulled about 500 of them from the swimming pool." Another resident said, "I know they’re harmless but they’re creepy, and the whole road was yellow with them."
Recent rare heavy rains have created an abundance of food for the caterpillars, which feed mostly on gaura and primrose. The insects will be in the caterpillar stage for only another week, and in its next stage, the sphinx moth is an important pollinator for endangered plants.
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