Q: On your radio show a couple weeks back a caller described a rose caterpillar that looked like a water moccasin. Did you guys ever figure out what it was?

A: It was a fascinating description! My best guess is that he was describing a tobacco budworm. This caterpillar has very distinct triangular markings along its body. It is known to bore into rose buds as the caller described. I’m going to add this to my list of weird creatures that I might spot someday in my own roses.

See also:
Complejo orugas capulleras (This site is in Spanish, but has some English translations).

Roses: Insect and Mite Pests and Beneficials