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Caterpillars and PupaCaterpillar ID
I found this on a cherry tree outside my house in eastern North Carolina. I’m sure it’s some sort of Sphinx, and my bet is on the blinded sphinx, but I’m definitely not sure. I’m amazed at how much its pattern has adapted to the red spots on the cherry leaves.
Thanks,
Emily
Hi Emily,
Sadly, we are not sure because many caterpillars have atypical colorations and patterns. We do believe this is one of the Sphinx genus, possibly the Great Ash Sphinx, or the Wild Cherry Sphinx as well as your choice, the Blinded Sphinx, Paonias excaecatus. You could always raise it and see what emerges.
Ed. Note: Additional research on BugGuide now has us believing this is Paonias excaecatus.
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