austin wildflower

Being new to gardening, I don't know what to think when I see a plant covered with strange creatures. Will they kill my plant? I have a passionflower vine I planted against a gate a couple months ago. Today I stepped out back to water around and I walked over to check on the direction the vine is growing--only to notice the leaves covered with many caterpillars--kind of slimy shiny orange and black things. I am not sure if I should kill or pluck, as I can see they have eaten quite a bit of the plant.

A little googling around and I find out it is the Gulf Fritillary caterpillar, who lives, sleeps and cocoons on its favorite habitat the passionflower. Pretty soon I will have a host of butterflies... and blooms, too.