Name this caterpillar

Remember the litchi tomato? The thorn-covered plant with the shiny red, kiwi-flavored fruits? Despite the spines, some critter has been burrowing through the husk and eating most of the fruits. And while I can blame most destruction on squirrels, slugs, or deer, I was pretty sure this wasn't any of them. Unless they'd learned to use straws. You never know.

Well, I finally caught one of the culprits in action. Picked a lovely ripe fruit, looked inside (always a good idea with pesticide-free gardens) and there he was.

FAQ: Litchi Tomato

What's that plant? and other frequently asked questions

The litchi tomato is neither a litchi nor a tomato, though it is a member of the nightshade family. It is also one extremely hostile plant. The whole thing is covered in thorns: stems, both surfaces of the leaves, and the husks that wrap around the fruit. And these are big, long, extremely sharp thorns that will draw blood, even through your gardening gloves. I speak here from experience.

Why, you ask, would I plant such a thing right smack in the middle of my vegetable garden? Particularly given that it gets to be about five feet tall, with long sprawling thorn-covered branches sticking out everywhere?

Because the plant label said its fruit tasted like cherries, that's why.