What type of caterpillar is it ?

Hello,

I am in Bali right now, taking care of a garden and I am looking for the name of this caterpillar (see picture). We have plenty of them in the garden and I don't know if they are good for the garden.

Thank you

Estelle

Howdy Estelle, welcome to permies !

I believe It is actually a flat backed millipede.  Pictures here

Might have to do some more web searches to see what it does in your garden.

Yeah i agree it is a millipede not a caterpillar.

Good for the garden.  They eat mildew and decaying plant matter.  In both cases it reduces plant disease and recycles nutrients.

They also seem to feast on yound seedlings. Some of these plants may not be at their best, but the current profusion of these millepedes at the end of a very long and very wet wet season makes it difficult to sow directly in the ground!

Any idea what this guy is?

Well, I've spent hours trying to identify a caterpillar only to now discover that it is not a simple matter. I believe I have narrowed it down to the Sphinx Moth category and am quitting this ridiculous pursuit.