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HornwormsHi!
Just had the attachment sent to me, but I am not quite certain from where; likely Western Canada . Apparently these are on Virginia creeper. I thought they might be or related to Elephant hawk moths, Deilephila elpenor . Is BT still considered a control or is hand-picking the answer. Thanks in advance.
Art C. Drysdale
Chairman, Vancouver Island Flower & Garden Festival Society
Hi Art,
Sorry for the delay. This is an Abbot’s Sphinx Caterpillar, Sphecodina abbotti. There is both a green phase and a gray phase. There are some great images on BugGuide. The caterpillar loses is caudal horn before pupating. The resulting “scar” resembles an eye, a form of protective coloration. We do not recommend any pesticides, and if there are just a few caterpillars, would strongly recommend letting them have a meager meal.
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